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Dublin man accused of murdering 63-year-old was admitted to mental health unit, trial hears

Summary

Kenneth Cummins, aged 28, and Sabrina Cummins, aged 37, both from Ringsend Park, Dublin 4, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas Horan, 63, at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, on 6 January last year. Dr Alan Byrne, consultant psychiatrist at Lakeview Unit, Naas General Hospital, testified that Kenneth Cummins was voluntarily admitted to a mental health unit from 24 December 2013 to 3 January 2014 because he expressed suicidal thoughts and was agitated. He had previously been homeless and had been admitted for stabilisation. On 3 January 2014, an arrangement was made for him to leave the psychiatric unit to a homeless accommodation. The prosecution's case was concluded by counsel Mr Garret Baker BL. Judge Tony Hunt informed the jury that the trial would continue the following day, noting that Sabrina Cummins would not attend due to illness. The case remains at the stage where the jury will consider the evidence presented.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin man accused of murdering 63-year-old was admitted to mental health unit, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Thomas Horan (63) at Cambridge Court, Ringsend on January 6th last year. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 6th Hearing Or Sentence
• December 24 2013 Other
• January 3 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 24, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 3, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-11-03 Publication

Why: Dr Byrne told defence counsel for Mr Cummins, Mr Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, that Mr Kenneth Cummins was admitted as a "voluntary patient" from December 24 2013 until January 3 2014 because he was "expressing suicidal thoughts" and "agitated". Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report