Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Second forensic psychiatrist tells jury that Mairead Moran murder accused was incapable of forming intent

Date
2016-02-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Kilkenny City

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, a second forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Paul O'Connell, testified that Shane Smyth, 29, suffered from severe paranoid schizophrenia and was not capable of forming a specific intent at the time of the murder of Mairead Moran, 26, on 8 May 2014. Dr. O'Connell reviewed Dr. Brenda Wright's earlier report and agreed that Smyth was mentally disordered, unable to appreciate the nature of his actions, and lacked moral judgment. He was deemed fit to plead and stand trial after a January 2016 review. The jury was also presented with a post‑mortem report by Professor Marie Cassidy, detailing eight stab wounds and multiple organ injuries that caused Moran's death. The trial remains ongoing. Shane Smyth pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Second forensic psychiatrist tells jury that Mairead Moran murder accused was incapable of forming intent. 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
November 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
January 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
January 17 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
May 9 2014 Incident
2016-02-05 Publication

Case subjects

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