Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused considered killing deceased's grandchildren, trial hears

Summary

In a 2016 trial, a 30‑year‑old man from Skerries, Dragos Nica, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for stabbing a 55‑year‑old neighbour, Michael Gannon, to death on 14 November 2013. The jury heard that Nica had previously considered killing Gannon's young grandchildren and that he had a history of chronic paranoid schizophrenia, with delusions and hallucinations. He had been admitted to psychiatric facilities on several occasions, often involuntarily, and had a long record of drug use, including cannabis, heroin and ecstasy. On the night of the murder, Nica claimed he believed he had been poisoned by Gannon's daughter and that he was in an agitated state, grabbing a larger knife after a smaller one. He called emergency services after the stabbing, claiming he had stabbed someone. The trial was set to continue with closing speeches before a judge and jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused considered killing deceased's grandchildren, trial hears. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• November 14th, 2013 Incident
• May 29th 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-02-02 Publication

Why: "I don't think he could control himself because of his state of mind at the time," he said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Finding Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report