Courts / Meath / Report
Man pleads not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder of neighbour
Summary
Lateef Bello, 42, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder of Adejoke Opesusi and related offences. Bello, originally from Africa and a taxi driver, claimed he believed his wife was being poisoned by a neighbour and that a separate neighbour had influenced her. On 18‑19 February 2012, he used a fire extinguisher to break car windshields, smashed a house front window, and entered Opesusi's home with two knives. He stabbed her, choked her, and also stabbed her daughter. He fled through a bedroom window when police approached but was apprehended. Prior to the incident, Bello had threatened self‑harm and accused his wife of infidelity. Garda investigation and a psychiatric assessment diagnosed him with schizophrenia. The trial is set before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man pleads not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder of neighbour. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Adejoke Opesusi at Littleplace, in Clonnee by reason of insanity on the 19 of February 2012. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 2012 Incident
- 19 February 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-01-26 Publication
Why: " Detective Carnahan told the jury that Mr Bello later told gardai in interview that he attacked Mrs Opesusi because 'she had poisoned the mind of my wife'. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the attempted murder of Adejoke Opesusi at Littleplace, in Clonnee by reason of insanity on the 19 of February 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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