Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused told gardai he stabbed daughter's partner after vision

Date
2021-10-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Mark Whelan, aged 48, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Noel Thomas Whelan on 30 March 2019. He claimed a vision of his daughter's partner killing and eating her unborn baby prompted him to stab Noel to bits. Whelan left the scene, turned himself in at Finglas Garda Station, and was held overnight. During the trial, he described hearing his mother's voice and a vision of Noel murdering his daughter, leading him to stab Noel with two knives. He also admitted cutting himself while stabbing and later fighting two men in Blanchardstown Village. Gardaí noted Whelan's self‑harm behaviors in custody, including attempts to gouge his eye and eat toilet paper. The prosecution presented evidence of psychosis medication, painkillers, and an empty methodone bottle found at the scene. The case was concluded by the State, with the defence planning to call medical evidence at the next hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he stabbed daughter's partner after vision. Charges or matters: murdering Noel Thomas Whelan at that address on 30 March, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

30 March Other
2021-10-05 Publication

Why: In his opening speech in the case, prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC said the jury may be asked to consider returning verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity or of diminished responsibility because of evidence that the accused suffers from a mental disorder. Prosecution account reported by CNI