Courts / Kerry / Report

Autistic man who bludgeoned mother to death with hatchet not guilty of murder by reason of insanity

Date
2022-10-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Lixnaw

County
Kerry

Summary

Patrick Dunne, a 28‑year‑old autistic man from Ballingeragh, Lixnaw, was found not guilty of murdering his mother Susan Dunne, aged 62, by reason of insanity. The Central Criminal Court heard that Dunne admitted killing his mother but denied it was murder, claiming he was unable to understand or control his actions on the night of 26–27 November 2013. Psychiatric evidence presented by both prosecution and defence psychiatrists agreed that Dunne was mentally disordered and incapable of appreciating the nature or consequences of his act. He had argued with his mother over an expensive iPhone, lost control, and struck her with a hatchet, causing six wounds to her head. The jury returned a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, and Dunne was remanded to the Central Mental Hospital for a medical update and victim impact statement preparation. The case was described as difficult by the judge.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Autistic man who bludgeoned mother to death with hatchet not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: murdering his mother Susan (62) between November 26 and 27, 2013, both dates inclusive, at the same address. Procedural stage: trial

When:

November 26 Adjournment
November 4 Adjournment
November 27 Other
2022-10-21 Publication

Case subjects

Unnamed 28-year-old

Defendant

Charges: murdering his mother Susan (62) between November 26 and 27, 2013, both dates inclusive, at the same address (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: After the jury returned the special verdict today, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring remanded Mr Dunne to the Central Mental Hospital under Section 5 (3) of the Criminal Law (Insanity Act) and adjourned the matter to November 4, for a medical update and the preparation of a victim impact statement.