Courts / Dublin / Report

Stabbing accused had "most severe" form of OCD

Summary

Sean Murphy, 29, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Olohan, 35, who died on 13 August 2020 after Murphy stabbed him in their shared apartment on St Lawrence Road. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, where the jury was informed that Murphy was 25 at the time of the killing. Both men lived in a step‑down independent living facility run by St Vincent's Hospital Psychiatric Services, where they received medication but were otherwise free to manage their own affairs. Prosecutor Ronan Kennedy SC argued that Murphy caused Olohan's death and that the jury must decide his mental capacity. Defence psychiatrist Professor Keith Rix testified that Murphy suffered from a "most severe" form of obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) at the time of the killing. Rix explained that Murphy's OCD was so severe that he lacked insight, yet he was not convinced he could not have refrained from the act.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stabbing accused had "most severe" form of OCD. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael Olohan (35) at the apartment they shared on St Lawrence Road on August 13, 2020. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 13, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-11-17 Publication

Why: Prof Rix told Mr O'Higgins that it was his opinion that Mr Murphy, at the time of Mr Olohan's death, was suffering with the mental illness and that he believed the accused did not qualify for a not guilty verdict by reason of insanity because there was the possibility that Mr Murphy could have refrained from his actions on the day. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report