Courts / Roscommon / Report

Roscommon man who stabbed his mother to death found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity

Date
2016-02-17

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Roscommon

Summary

A 29-year-old man from Roscommon has been found not guilty of murdering his mother by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. Paul Henry was charged with killing Ann Henry at Abbeystown, Ballyphesan on 17 September 2011. The defence conceded that Henry killed his mother but argued he was legally insane at the time. Two psychiatrists gave evidence: the defence called a consultant psychiatrist who diagnosed a delusional disorder, whilst the prosecution's forensic psychiatrist diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. Both experts testified that Henry lacked capacity to form criminal intent due to his mental condition. The jury deliberated for one hour and 36 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The judge ordered Henry's detention at the Central Mental Hospital and praised the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Roscommon man who stabbed his mother to death found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: murdering his mother Ann Henry at Abbeystown, Ballyphesan in Roscommon town on September 17, 2011; murdering Ms Henry by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial

When:

September 17, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
September 17 2011 Incident
September 17 Incident
September 18 Adjournment
August 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
2016-02-17 Publication

Why: " Dr Wright said at the time Mr Henry did not have the capacity to form intent because of his mental disorder. CNI source report

Case subjects

Paul Henry

Accused

Charges: murdering his mother Ann Henry at Abbeystown, Ballyphesan in Roscommon town on September 17, 2011; murdering Ms Henry by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: After a consultant psychiatrist was called to the garda station, Mr Henry was remanded to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) and on September 18 he was formally charged.