Courts / Sligo / Report
"Unacceptable" that dangerous mentally ill man lived "just doors down", victim's parents tell court
Summary
In an appeal-stage procedural development, the Central Criminal Court directed Dr Sally Lenihan to prepare a report on the ongoing treatment of Richard McLaughlin, with the court scheduled to hear the matter on July 16. This follows a jury verdict finding McLaughlin not guilty by reason of insanity of the murder of Jimmy Loughlin in Sligo in 2018. The court heard that McLaughlin, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, broke into the victim's home and attacked him with a crowbar. Two forensic psychiatrists agreed that McLaughlin did not understand his actions were wrong and was unable to refrain from the act due to his mental disorder. The victim's parents, Paula and Michael Loughlin, stated it was unacceptable that a man known to mental health services lived nearby. They expressed hope that questions regarding mental health services would be addressed at a coroner's inquest. McLaughlin's mother, Mairead McLaughlin, expressed her deepest sorrow to the Loughlin family. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart noted the palpable grief of the family and extended sympathy to McLaughlin's mother. The matter is currently adjourned pending the submission of the treatment report, and no final disposal or sentence has been concluded.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Unacceptable" that dangerous mentally ill man lived "just doors down", victim's parents tell court. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- February 24, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 1998 Incident
- July 16 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2012 Other
- April 2015 Incident
- June 2015 Incident
- May 31, 2012 Incident
- May 28, 2012 Other
- April 19, 2012 Other
- June 2018 Incident
- 2019-07-09 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Connolly Street
- Central Mental Hospital
- St Columba's Hospital
- St Columba's Psychiatric Hospital
Topics
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