Courts / Westmeath / Report
Man told gardai he tried to kill vulnerable brother with hammer, insanity trial hears
Summary
A 39-year-old man, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of his vulnerable brother, told gardai that he tried to kill his sibling with a hammer and by slitting his neck and wrists, a Central Criminal Court jury has heard. Gary O'Shaughnessy is charged with the attempted murder of his brother Mark O'Shaughnessy (42) at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. The brothers were living at Ailesbury House at the time. He is further charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to his brother on the same date and at the same location. Mr O'Shaughnessy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both charges. Opening the prosecution's case, Ronan Kennedy SC said there is no dispute that the accused attempted to kill and cause serious harm to his brother by stabbing him and striking him on the head with a hammer. Counsel said the case will centre on the mental state of the accused.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man told gardai he tried to kill vulnerable brother with hammer, insanity trial hears. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of his brother Mark O'Shaughnessy (42) at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- May 15 Other
- May 2024 Other
- November 2025 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 16 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-04-14 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the attempted murder of his brother Mark O'Shaughnessy (42) at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Ailesbury House
- St Loman's Hospital
- Central Mental Hospital
- Beaumont Hospital
- Midlands Regional Hospital
- Lynn Road
- Mullingar
Topics
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