Courts / Roscommon / Report
Insanity verdict in trial of man who stabbed ex-boss 19 times
Summary
A man has been found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned the special verdict in the case of Neil O'Dowd, who was charged with stabbing his former employer 19 times at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton on January 28, 2021. The victim sustained serious injuries including a pseudoaneurysm requiring surgical intervention. Medical evidence presented to the court indicated that O'Dowd was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time, consistent with paranoid schizophrenia, and did not know the nature or wrongfulness of his actions. Two forensic psychiatrists agreed on his mental state. The jury deliberated for 28 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. The matter has been adjourned to February 15 for assessment of O'Dowd's current mental health status, with O'Dowd remanded on continuing bail.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Insanity verdict in trial of man who stabbed ex-boss 19 times. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Paul Smith at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton on January 28, 2021. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- January 28, 2021 Incident
- February 15 Adjournment
- 2023-02-01 Publication
Why: He said that because of the severe impairment of Mr O'Dowd's judgement, he should be found not guilty of the charge by reason of insanity. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the attempted murder of Paul Smith at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton on January 28, 2021 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; Mr O'Dowd was remanded on continuing bail to that date.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Tuscany Park
- Baldoyle Road
- Elphin
- Central Mental Hospital
Topics
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