Courts / Ireland / Report

Bed made available at Central Mental Hospital for mother who smothered autistic child

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 43‑year‑old mother was committed to the Central Mental Hospital after a court order was initially voided due to lack of bed space. The woman, found not guilty by reason of insanity for smothering her three‑year‑old autistic daughter, had previously been denied admission because the hospital was at full capacity. Peter Finlay SC for the HSE reported that the capacity issue had been resolved, allowing a bed to become available. Mr Justice Michael White then ordered her commitment to the CMH for a psychiatric assessment. The case will return to court on 5 November. The trial revealed the defendant's belief that her child had a severe form of autism and her fear that the child's future would be ruined, leading to her fatal act. Two forensic psychiatrists confirmed she met the criteria for the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bed made available at Central Mental Hospital for mother who smothered autistic child. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• November 5 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 13, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-10-25 Publication

Why: The Central Criminal Court heard yesterday that the woman could not be committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) because the facility had reached "full capacity in its quota of female patients". Court evidence reported by CNI

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

Read the original CNI report