Courts / Clare / Report
Jury finds mentally ill man not guilty of murdering mother (88) by reason of insanity
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 63‑year‑old Brendan Murray was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his 88‑year‑old mother, Neasa Murray. The jury, after less than 30 minutes, accepted the defence's argument that Murray was undergoing a psychotic episode of schizo‑affective disorder and therefore lacked the capacity to understand that his actions were wrong. The prosecution had presented evidence of Murray's mental illness, including testimony from psychiatrist Dr. Brenda Wright, who confirmed that he believed he was directed by God or the Holy Spirit. The judge, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, directed that Murray be committed to the Central Mental Hospital pending a psychiatric assessment. No other charges or convictions were discussed in the article. The case concluded with the jury's verdict and the court's commitment order.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury finds mentally ill man not guilty of murdering mother (88) by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 23, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-12-20 Publication
Why: Mr Murray told the gardaí he "started punching her around the place" because God told him to. CNI source report
Case subjects
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Central Mental Hospital
- Kincora Drive
- and brought to the garda station
Topics
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