Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who opened fire on relative with submachine gun does not meet insanity criteria, prosecution say
Summary
A man who admitted to killing but denied murdering his relative with a submachine gun was not found to be suffering from a mental disorder, according to the prosecution. Christopher Devine (44) pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder in the 2022 shooting of Michael Tormey (49) in his front garden. The prosecution argued that the killing was murder and that the accused was under the influence of cocaine, not suffering from a mental disorder. Evidence suggested that Devine had consumed significant quantities of cocaine before the incident. The prosecution will call two psychiatrists as expert witnesses, with one claiming that Devine had a substance-induced psychotic disorder and the other stating that he met the criteria for cocaine intoxication. The trial will continue with the jury considering the issue of diminished responsibility.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who opened fire on relative with submachine gun does not meet insanity criteria, prosecution say. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 9, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 9 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 8 2022 Incident
- January 9 Incident
- January 13, 2022 Incident
- January 13 Incident
- January 8, 2022 Other
- 2025-11-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Kylemore Road
- Thomond Road
- Central Criminal Court
- Mr Tormey's house
- Sperrin Road
- Thomond Road
- Landen Road
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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