Courts / Dublin / Report
'Floridly psychotic' man believed there was homosexual conspiracy' in prison
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Michael Connolly, 55, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Lawlor, 37, in Cloverhill Prison. Connolly, who had been remanded for unrelated matters, allegedly scalded Lawlor with hot water before strangling him on the night of 22‑23 November 2019. Witnesses described Connolly as calm and unresponsive when officers entered the cell. Forensic evidence showed multiple superficial burns, lacerations, and asphyxiation as the cause of death. Connolly claimed he believed Lawlor was a "kingpin" and that a "homosexual conspiracy" existed between prisoners and officers. Two psychiatrists testified that Connolly was suffering from an active mental disorder, diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder in 2019. The jury will decide whether to apply a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity or a manslaughter conviction. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Siobhan Lankford.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Floridly psychotic' man believed there was homosexual conspiracy' in prison. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Lawlor. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- November 23, 2019 Other
- Friday, November 22, 2019 Adjournment
- Saturday, November 23 Adjournment
- 2023-07-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Mr Lawlor (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; He said that Mr Lawlor and Mr Connolly had both been remanded to the prison on unconnected matters and the two men were sharing a cell.
Places mentioned
- Cloverhill Prison
- Central Criminal Court
- The Central Criminal Court
Topics
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