Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Mairead Moran murder accused did not have capacity to form intent, psychiatrist tells trial

Date
2016-02-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Kilkenny City

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, a forensic psychiatrist testified that Shane Smyth, 29, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and lacked the capacity to form intent during the murder of Mairead Moran, 26, on 8 May 2014. Dr. Brenda Wright, called by the prosecution, presented a psychiatric report prepared at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions. She described Smyth's long history of psychosis, including auditory hallucinations, delusions of persecution, and a belief that Moran was part of a conspiracy. She noted that Smyth did not understand the nature or moral wrongness of his actions at the time of the offence. The court was informed that Smyth's mental illness required long‑term treatment at the Central Mental Hospital to manage the risk he posed to others. The trial continues. Shane Smyth pleaded not guilty. Mairead Moran pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mairead Moran murder accused did not have capacity to form intent, psychiatrist tells trial. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
January 13 Incident
May 10 2014 Incident
2016-02-04 Publication

Why: Mr Smyth was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school and did not attend school after fourth year because of "drug use. CNI source report

Case subjects

Mairead Moran

Defendant

Charges: murdering Ms Moran by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Shane Smyth

Accused

Charges: murdering Mairead Moran (26) on May 8 2014 at the Market Cross Shopping Centre in Kilkenny City; murdering Ms Moran by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty