Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Kilkenny man who stabbed shop worker Mairead Moran to death is committed to Central Mental Hospital

Summary

In February 2016, Shane Smyth, aged 29, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital after a trial found him not guilty of murdering shop worker Mairead Moran by reason of insanity. The case, heard at the Central Criminal Court, involved Smyth's belief that Moran had stolen a "vile of his blood," installed hidden cameras, and placed black widow spiders in his house. Forensic psychiatrists Dr Brenda Wright and Dr Paul O'Connell testified that Smyth suffered from severe paranoid schizophrenia and was not capable of forming a specific intent. Dr Sally Linehan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, reported that Smyth had been admitted to the CMH on 16 May 2014, had received Clozapine and a second psychotic medication, yet continued to exhibit psychosis and delusional beliefs. She recommended his continued inpatient care, which Justice Margaret Heneghan ordered. The decision was based on Smyth's mental disorder and the need for treatment in a designated centre. Mairead Moran was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Kilkenny man who stabbed shop worker Mairead Moran to death is committed to Central Mental Hospital. 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: finding. Findings: Acquitted

When:

• May 8, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 16, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 15 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-02-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Theft

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Read the original CNI report