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Deaf manslaughter convict exhibits "primitive personality" features, court told
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the court considered the case of Edward Connors, a 30‑year‑old homeless deaf mute who was found guilty of manslaughter after an eight‑day trial. Connors had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening people with a syringe. He claimed that the CCTV footage showing a punch was actually an attempt to stop the victim, Eoghan Dudley, from falling under a bus, which resulted in Dudley's death. The judge, Patrick McCartan, adjourned the case to allow Connors to be assessed for rehabilitation services in the UK, where facilities for deaf offenders exist. Dr Brendan Thomas Monteiro, a consultant psychiatrist, diagnosed Connors with a "primitive personality" stemming from lifelong hearing loss and lack of language, and warned that without treatment he would revert to his old ways. The judge ordered further assessment and inquiries into funding and legal issues for Connors' treatment abroad. Edward Connors pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Deaf manslaughter convict exhibits "primitive personality" features, court told. Charges or matters: unlawfully killing Mr Dudley on December 6, 2012; two counts of using a syringe to cause injury or threaten to cause injury at Balally Shopping Centre, Sandyford on May 17, 2012 and at Lotts Lane on August 18, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 6, 2012 Other
- May 17, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 18, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-12-09 Publication
Why: He said that because of serious communication difficulties between them and parents, teachers or peers, this group of people do not acquire the same skills taken for granted in hearing children and develop without any social, moral or legal boundaries. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: unlawfully killing Mr Dudley on December 6, 2012; two counts of using a syringe to cause injury or threaten to cause injury at Balally Shopping Centre, Sandyford on May 17, 2012 and at Lotts Lane on August 18, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: He said if Connors does not get the treatment he needs he will revert to his old ways of living after he serves a prison sentence.; Judge Patrick McCartan had adjourned the case to today after asking that Connors be assessed for rehabilitation services in the UK.
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