Courts / Dublin / Report

'Brilliant law academic' who stabbed elderly father to death found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity

Date
2026-07-30

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Balbriggan

County
Dublin

Summary

A 31-year-old lawyer, Daire McCormack George, who stabbed his father 27 times during a psychotic episode, has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The trial heard that he suffers from schizoaffective disorder, which led to a delusional belief that his father intended to harm his mother and sister. This belief prompted him to commit the act, despite his love for his father. His family, including his sister Hillary and mother Goretti, attended the trial daily, showing unwavering support. Mr. McCormack George had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder in 2018 and had responded well to treatment, but a reduction in his antipsychotic medication led to a relapse. His journal entries revealed his paranoid thoughts. During the attack, he claimed his father told him he loved him, but he continued stabbing him. The court heard that psychiatrists agreed he was not responsible for his actions due to his mental disorder.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Brilliant law academic' who stabbed elderly father to death found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 12, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
August 13 Adjournment
Christmas Other
2026-07-30 Publication

Case subjects

McCormack George

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: She remanded Mr McCormack George to the Central Mental Hospital until August 13, when a doctor will outline the ongoing psychiatric treatment he requires.