Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury finds man who killed father with WWII bayonet not guilty of murder by reason of insanity

Date
2023-07-21

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 32‑year‑old man named Gareth Sheeran was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his 65‑year‑old father, Harry Sheeran, who was killed on Father's Day, 20 June 2021, with a World War II bayonet. The jury, after 42 minutes of deliberation, returned a unanimous verdict. Two psychiatrists testified that Gareth suffered from schizophrenia and did not understand the nature or wrongness of his act. Evidence included a post‑mortem showing multiple stab wounds, including one to the heart, and testimony that police found the father lying in a pool of blood. The judge thanked the jury and exempted them from service for seven years. The case was adjourned to 25 August for further proceedings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury finds man who killed father with WWII bayonet not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

June 20, 2021 Other
Friday, August 25 Adjournment
2023-07-21 Publication

Why: Counsel said in order to fulfil the criteria for a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict, the defence had to prove Gareth Sheeran was suffering from a mental disorder at the time. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Gareth Sheeran

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity

Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; She said the two psychiatrists in the case each agreed that Gareth Sheeran fulfilled any one of the three criteria for a special verdict. "Any one would be sufficient but both psychiatrists are of the view that he fulfils the criteria for all three," she said. "I would ask you to bring in a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity." Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter to Friday, August 25.