Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury must come to 'difficult decision' when considering verdict in trial of man accused of murdering 'Good Samaritan', defence say

Date
2025-04-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The trial of Brian Ibe, 23, accused of murdering Peter Kennedy, a 65-year-old 'Good Samaritan', is ongoing before Ms Justice Melanie Greally. Ibe has pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity and not guilty by reason of insanity to a charge of assault causing harm to Garda Brendan O'Donnell. The defence, led by Conor Devally SC, argued that Ibe was suffering from schizophrenic psychosis at the time of the alleged offence, citing evidence from two psychiatrists. Conversely, the prosecution, represented by Paul Carroll SC, presented Dr Mary Davoren, who diagnosed Ibe with a dis-social personality disorder and contended he understood the nature of his actions. The jury heard conflicting expert opinions regarding Ibe's mental state, with the defence highlighting prior behavioural evidence of psychosis and the prosecution pointing to deliberate, complex actions such as taking a taxi to the scene. The matter remains at the trial stage, with the judge set to begin her charge to the jury on Monday. No verdict, sentence, or finalisation has been recorded; the case is currently awaiting the jury's decision.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury must come to 'difficult decision' when considering verdict in trial of man accused of murdering 'Good Samaritan', defence say. Charges or matters: murder by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial

When:

April 28, 2020 Incident
May 2 Incident
April 29, 2020 Incident
Christmas Incident
2025-04-04 Publication

Why: Counsel said Dr Davoren appeared to be asking the jury to find that Mr Ibe was "malingering" or "feigning" his symptoms but she "can't say that because she doesn't have the qualification". CNI source report