Courts / Westmeath / Report

Man who attacked vulnerable brother in bid to 'drain' his blood is committed to Central Mental Hospital

Summary

Gary O'Shaughnessy, 39, of Mullingar, Co Westmeath, has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and treatment following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity on two charges: the alleged attempted murder of his brother, Mark (42), and intentionally or recklessly causing him serious harm. The alleged offences occurred at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. O'Shaughnessy had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both counts. The court heard evidence that the accused struck his vulnerable, partially blind brother with a hammer and cut his neck with a knife. Prosecution and defence psychiatrists testified that O'Shaughnessy was suffering from schizophrenia at the time, which prevented him from knowing the nature and quality of his acts or refraining from them. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, relying on a report by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Dearbhla Duffy, was satisfied that O'Shaughnessy suffers from a mental disorder and requires inpatient care. The judge ordered his commitment to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane, Co Dublin, pursuant to section 5(3) of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. This commitment will continue until a further order is made under section 13 of the Act. The judge described the case as "terribly sad" and noted the verdict aligned with the medical evidence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who attacked vulnerable brother in bid to 'drain' his blood is committed to Central Mental Hospital. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of his brother Mark (42) at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 16 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 15 Incident
• April 23 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2026-04-24 Publication

Why: After the panel had delivered their decision in just 32 minutes, Mr Justice Tony Hunt thanked them for their "prompt verdict", noting there was no reason for a jury to "pretend to deliberate on things when there is nothing to deliberate on". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report