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Appropriate for jury to consider diminished responsibility, psychiatrists tell murder trial

Summary

Two forensic psychiatrists have testified at the Central Criminal Court that a jury should consider whether a man's criminal responsibility was diminished when he allegedly stabbed a 24-year-old County Mayo man. Matusz Batiuk, a 33-year-old Polish national formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, is charged with murder in relation to an incident on 16 November 2020. Dr Jamie Walsh told the court that Mr Batiuk suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, which was likely active at the time of the stabbing. The accused has pleaded not guilty. Dr Walsh outlined a lengthy history of psychiatric contact, including diagnoses of schizophrenia, cannabis misuse, and persecutory delusions. Dr Stephen Monks, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, similarly concluded that evidence strongly suggested Mr Batiuk was experiencing active psychotic illness and delusions in the period before the incident. Both psychiatrists confirmed it would be appropriate for the jury to consider diminished responsibility. The trial before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring continues with closing speeches.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Appropriate for jury to consider diminished responsibility, psychiatrists tell murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr McDonagh and the jury previously heard that the accused said he believed his life was in danger and stabbed Mr McDonagh in the stomach. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 16, 2020 Incident
• June 2015 Other
• December 2016 Adjournment
• May 2017 Adjournment
• June 2017 Adjournment
• July 2017 Adjournment
• February 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2020 Incident
• 2023-03-27 Publication

Why: He was assessed in the Midlands Prison in June 2017, where the accused refused to take his medication because he said he was sick of it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report