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Machete murder accused told psychiatrist he was turned away from hospital day before killing

Summary

Patrick McDonagh, 52, is on trial accused of murdering his next-door neighbour, Peter McDonald, 73, with a machete on Whitechapel Road on July 25, 2020. McDonagh has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State has not accepted. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, heard evidence from consultant psychiatrist Prof Patricia Casey. She testified that McDonagh, who has a long history of schizophrenia dating back to 2001, was suffering from an acute psychotic episode at the time of the alleged killing. Prof Casey stated she did not believe McDonagh was feigning his delusional beliefs, which included identifying himself as Moses and his sister as the Blessed Virgin. She noted that McDonagh told her he was turned away from Connolly Hospital the day before the incident due to Covid restrictions. Prof Casey opined that his mental disorder substantially diminished his responsibility under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Machete murder accused told psychiatrist he was turned away from hospital day before killing. Charges or matters: murdering his next-door neighbour Peter McDonald (73) on Whitechapel Road on July 25th, 2020; murder but guilty to manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 25th, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-01-31 Publication

Why: However, she said at the time people with psychiatric problems were being turned away because doctors were not available. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report