Courts / Clare / Report
Galway man who strangled brother to death with bungee cord is committed to Central Mental Hospital
Summary
A 41‑year‑old man, Declan O'Cualain, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for strangling his brother Adrian Folan with a bungee cord on 4 July 2014. In the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution argued that O'Cualain was fixated on paedophilia and believed his brother had abused him, but two forensic psychiatrists testified that he was in a delusional state and should not be held responsible. The jury returned a not‑guilty verdict after 21 minutes of deliberation. Judge Margaret Heneghan ordered O'Cualain to be committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH). Dr Sally Linehan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, reported that O'Cualain had been admitted to the CMH in December 2014, was under her care since February 2015, and had improved insight into his bipolar disorder. She confirmed he was receiving antipsychotic and mood‑stabilising medication and had responded well to treatment. The judge, satisfied with the psychiatric evidence, committed him to the CMH for inpatient care.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Galway man who strangled brother to death with bungee cord is committed to Central Mental Hospital. Charges or matters: murdering his brother Adrian Folan (O'Cualain) at Lislorkin North, Liscannor, Co Clare on July 4 2014; murdering Mr Folan by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- July 4 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 22 Other
- April 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-05-05 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering his brother 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
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Places mentioned
- Central Mental Hospital
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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