Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused doesn't meet criteria for insanity verdict, psychiatrist tells trial

Date
2021-10-01

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin murder trial, 25‑year‑old Valerijs Leitons, charged with killing his partner Skaidrite Valdegeima, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. A psychiatrist testified that Leitons suffered a psychotic disorder but was not impaired enough to meet the legal criteria for an insanity verdict. Leitons had been prescribed antipsychotic medication since February 2018, but may have stopped taking it by February 2019. He claimed to be targeted by intelligence agents and believed Valdegeima was an agent who threatened him. Leitons carried two knives, which he said were for self‑protection, and stabbed Valdegeima at the Binary Hub aparthotels on 26 June 2019. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused doesn't meet criteria for insanity verdict, psychiatrist tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Skaidrite Valdegeima on 26 June 2019 at the Binary Hub aparthotels on Bonham Street, Dublin 8. Procedural stage: trial

When:

26 June 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
May 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
February 2018 Incident
February 2019 Incident
2021-10-01 Publication

Why: "He began to believe intelligence agencies were trying to recruit him because of his superior intelligence," Dr Smith said. CNI source report