Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused believed he would suffer in hell if he didn't stab housemate to death, trial hears

Summary

Sean Murphy, 29, was found to have a severe obsessive‑compulsive disorder with psychotic features when he stabbed Michael Olohan, 35, to death on 13 August 2020. Dr Ronan Mullaney, a consultant psychiatrist, told the Central Criminal Court that Murphy was "acutely psychotic" and could not refrain from the killing because he believed he was saving himself and the world from great harm. He had a long psychiatric history, first diagnosed with OCD at 15, committed to a hospital at 16, and later discharged from St Vincent's psychiatric ward after nine months. In a letter to his treating team, Murphy admitted having thoughts of killing for about two years and described the act as a ritual driven by a fear of eternal torment. The jury was instructed that if they were not satisfied with an insanity verdict, Murphy would still be found guilty of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. Sean Murphy pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused believed he would suffer in hell if he didn't stab housemate to death, trial hears. 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
• 2023-11-20 Publication

Why: A man who was suffering from a severe case of obsessive compulsive disorder with psychotic features killed his housemate because he believed if he did not do so he would spend an eternity in hell, a consultant psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report