Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Murder accused suffered from psychotic illness that remained untreated for years, jury hears

Summary

In a Kilkenny murder trial, a 29‑year‑old man, Shane Smyth, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity after stabbing Mairead Moran, 26, at the Market Cross Shopping Centre on 8 May 2014. The prosecution presented evidence that Smyth had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2005, had received treatment in a psychiatric hospital, and had remained untreated since 2006. Two consultant psychiatrists reported that he suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was experiencing active psychotic symptoms at the time of the killing, impairing his capacity to form intent and understand the nature of his act. The court heard that Smyth had previously confronted Moran, spat at her, and that on the day of the murder he entered the Holland and Barrett shop, attacked her with a knife, and fled to a cousin's house before being arrested. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused suffered from psychotic illness that remained untreated for years, jury hears. Charges or matters: murdering Mairead Moran (26) on May 8, 2014 at the Market Cross Shopping Centre in Kilkenny City; murdering Ms Moran by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 8, 2014 Incident
• May 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 8 2014 Other
• 2016-02-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report