Courts / Wicklow / Report

Man deemed unfit to stand trial for brother's murder

Summary

In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, a 65‑year‑old Wicklow farmer, Cecil Tomkins, was found unfit to stand trial for the 2010 murder of his 66‑year‑old brother, Walter Tomkins, at their Cronlea home. Tomkins, suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease, dementia, depression and a history of seizures, was an inpatient at Bloomfield Hospital. His barrister, John O'Kelly SC, presented a multidisciplinary report and a consultant psychiatrist, Dr John Tobin, testified that Tomkins' cognitive impairment prevented him from understanding the proceedings or directing his counsel. Dr Tobin described Tomkins as unable to communicate effectively, disoriented in place and time, and requiring total nursing care. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, agreed with the defence, ruling Tomkins unfit under the Criminal Law Insanity Act and adjourned the case for a further order.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man deemed unfit to stand trial for brother's murder. Charges or matters: murdering 66-year-old Walter Tomkins at their home in Cronlea, Shillelagh on July 1st of that year. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• July 1st Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-01-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report