Courts / Kerry / Report

Jury deliberating in trial of man accused of murdering mother with hatchet

Summary

The Central Criminal Court jury has begun deliberations on the case of Patrick Dunne, 28, who denies murdering his mother, Susan Dunne, 62, with a hatchet in 2013. The jury paused to inspect the hatchet and received expert testimony that Dunne, an autistic man with an intellectual disability, was legally insane at the time of the killing. Both prosecution and defence psychiatrists agree he could not understand or control his actions. Dunne admits to killing his mother but claims he had no lawful justification. He has pleaded not guilty. The judge instructed the jury to consider a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity if they find him legally insane. The jury will continue deliberations tomorrow. The unnamed 28-year-old was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in trial of man accused of murdering mother with hatchet. Charges or matters: murdering his mother, Susan (62), between November 26 and 27, 2013, both dates inclusive, at the same address. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Acquitted

When:

• November 26 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-10-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding

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Read the original CNI report