Courts / Kildare / Report

Homelessness and cannabis use may have triggered schizophrenia in murder accused, psychiatrist tells trial

Date
2025-04-01

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Newbridge

County
Kildare

Summary

In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Dr Stephen Monks, a consultant psychiatrist, testified that Brian Ibe, aged 23, suffered from schizophrenia and was in an acute psychotic state when he fatally assaulted 65‑year‑old Peter Kennedy. Monks argued that Ibe's psychosis, triggered by homelessness and cannabis use beginning in June 2018, contributed significantly to the assault and that Ibe may not have understood the nature of his actions. He suggested the court consider a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Ibe has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder charge and to assault causing harm to Garda Brendan O'Donnell, who was punched during Ibe's detention. The trial is proceeding before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Homelessness and cannabis use may have triggered schizophrenia in murder accused, psychiatrist tells trial. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

April 28, 2020 Incident
May 12 Incident
June 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
April 29, 2020 Incident
2025-04-01 Publication

Case subjects

Brian Ibe

Accused

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity

Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; Gda O'Donnell has testified that Mr Ibe became uncooperative and aggressive during his detention and punched him, leaving him with a bloody nose and a bruise under his eye.