Courts / Sligo / Report

Mentally ill man who beat neighbour to death posted 2,000 bible videos on Youtube

Summary

A 32-year-old man from Sligo has been found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his neighbour at Connolly Street in February 2018. Richard McLaughlin, with an address at The Laurels, Woodtown Lodge, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital following the Central Criminal Court hearing, which concluded on 26 July. The court heard that McLaughlin broke into the home of Jimmy James Loughlin and fatally assaulted him with a crowbar while experiencing delusions stemming from paranoid schizophrenia. Forensic evidence indicated the victim died from traumatic head injuries sustained during the attack. Two consultant psychiatrists testified that McLaughlin's mental illness prevented him from knowing his actions were wrong and rendered him unable to prevent himself from committing the killing. Justice Carmel Stewart ordered McLaughlin's commitment to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care, finding no doubt he was suffering from mental disorder.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mentally ill man who beat neighbour to death posted 2,000 bible videos on Youtube. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• February 24, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 9 Incident
• July 16 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-07-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding

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Read the original CNI report