Courts / Donegal / Report

Murder accused told doctors that release of abuser Michael Ferry caused him to 'spiral'

Summary

Two psychiatrists told the Central Criminal Court that Derek Mulligan was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when he caused fatal injuries to his grandfather Derek Burns. Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder, while the court also heard evidence that the release of Michael Ferry had caused him to 'spiral'; the trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told doctors that release of abuser Michael Ferry caused him to 'spiral'. Charges or matters: sexual offending against several boys, including the accused. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• December 19, 2023 Other
• October 9, 2024 Other
• December 17, 2023 Other
• 2026-03-25 Publication

Why: He reported it to gardai in 2011 when he was aged 22 but wasn't prepared to go through with the court process because of the harm the first case had caused him, resulting in the second case collapsing. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report