Courts / Galway / Report

Galway man accused of murdering brother was "utterly delusional", jury told

Date
2016-04-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Galway

County
Galway

Summary

A 41‑year‑old Galway man, Declan O'Cualain, was charged with murdering his brother Adrian Folan. The prosecution alleged that O'Cualain strangled Folan with a bungee cord, then disposed of the body in a water‑filled pit near the Cliffs of Moher, covering it with rocks. He confessed to the act to a friend and to Gardaí, and was arrested at his home on 7 July 2014. Gardaí found the body, which was later identified at Limerick University Hospital, and evidence of a burnt knife fragment and bungee cords was recovered. O'Cualain pleaded not guilty on the grounds of insanity, claiming he was in an "utterly delusional" state and believed his brother was a paedophile. The trial is ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Galway man accused of murdering brother was "utterly delusional", jury told. Charges or matters: murdering Adrian Folan (O'Cualain) at Lislorkin North, Liscannor, Co Clare on July 4 2014; murdering Mr Folan by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 4 2014 Incident
July 5 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
July 6 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
Monday July 7, 2014 Incident
July 7 Incident
July 4 Hearing Or Sentence
July 7 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2016-04-21 Publication

Why: Mr O'Cualainn also told gardai he was consumed by what Adrian had done and his motive for killing him was because he was a "paedophile. CNI source report

Case subjects

Declan O'Cualain

Accused

Charges: murdering Adrian Folan (O'Cualain) at Lislorkin North, Liscannor, Co Clare on July 4 2014; murdering Mr Folan by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty