Courts / Waterford / Report

Attempted murder accused pleads guilty to lesser charge

Date
2026-01-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Lismore

Summary

A 23-year-old man who was due to face trial on an attempted murder charge at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. James Greengrass, 25, of Chapel Place, Lismore, Co Waterford, had been charged with attempted murder on February 3, 2023, at the psychiatry department of University Hospital Waterford. Initially, he entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, and a jury was empanelled to hear the case. However, following discussions between counsel, Greengrass re-arraigned before the court and pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cause serious harm. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Michael Delaney SC, accepted the plea on a full facts basis and stated that a nolle prosequi would be entered in respect of the attempted murder charge. Defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, noted that Greengrass has no previous convictions and suffers from significant psychiatric difficulties. He requested an extension of legal aid to cover a psychiatric report, as well as probation and education reports.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Attempted murder accused pleads guilty to lesser charge. Charges or matters: a charge of attempting to cause serious harm. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 3, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
March 25 Adjournment
2026-01-23 Publication

Why: Addressing the jury panel previously sworn to hear the trial, the judge explained that, in light of a guilty plea to the lesser charge being acceptable to the DPP, their services were no longer required. CNI source report