Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who beheaded wife to remain in Central Mental Hospital
Summary
A man convicted of killing his wife in Finglas, Dublin in 2021 has been returned to the Central Mental Hospital for continued treatment. Diego Costa Silva, aged 35, was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity following his trial at the Central Criminal Court earlier this month. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge relating to the death of his wife on November 4, 2021 at their home in Charlestown Place. Evidence presented to the jury established that Mr Costa Silva was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis at the time, causing him to believe his wife was possessed and posed a threat to him. Two forensic psychiatrists confirmed he met the criteria for a finding of insanity under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. At today's hearing, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath ordered his return to the Central Mental Hospital, where a consultant psychiatrist confirmed he continues to require in-patient treatment. His case will be reviewed again on July 29.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who beheaded wife to remain in Central Mental Hospital. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 4, 2021 Incident
- July 29 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 3rd Other
- 2024-03-21 Publication
Why: However, the "fight" started because, he said: "I just felt if I didn't do it she could do it to me". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murder (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Mental Hospital
- Mater hospital
- Charlestown Place
- Middle Abbey Street
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs 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'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request