Courts / Dublin / Report
Special verdict returned in attempted murder case
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Jineesh John, aged 43, was found not guilty by reason of insanity on all counts of attempted murder, false imprisonment, and related offences. The case centred on an incident on 21 May 2023 when John, holding a hammer, drove a former colleague to a car, applied chilli powder to her face, and threatened to kill her, claiming she had infected him with HIV through kissing. No physical contact had occurred, yet John maintained a delusional belief of infection. Forensic psychiatrists for both sides agreed he met the criteria for the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, citing delusional disorder and depression. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded John to the Central Mental Hospital until a psychiatric report is delivered on 28 July. The victim was praised for her courage in calming John and for her testimony. The trial lasted two days, with the jury reaching the verdict in about 40 minutes.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Special verdict returned in attempted murder case. Charges or matters: attempted murder at a location in West Dublin on May 21, 2023; making a threat to kill or cause the woman serious harm without lawful excuse, intending her to believe that the said threat would be carried out; falsely imprisoning the woman by intentionally or recklessly detaining her without her consent; producing a hammer on the same date, while committing or appearing to be about to commit an offence of false imprisonment. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- July 28 Adjournment
- May 21, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2024 Other
- 2025-07-18 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempted murder at a location in West Dublin on May 21, 2023; making a threat to kill or cause the woman serious harm without lawful excuse, intending her to believe that the said threat would be carried out; falsely imprisoning the woman by intentionally or recklessly detaining her without her consent; producing a hammer on the same date, while committing or appearing to be about to commit an offence of false imprisonment (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; Mr Justice McDermott remanded Mr John to the Central Mental Hospital until July 28 when a psychiatrist will deliver a report regarding Mr John's ongoing treatment.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Central Mental Hospital
- The Crescent
- Dublin
Topics
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