Courts / Dublin / Report

Garda (40) who harassed colleague was suffering from early-onset dementia, psychiatrists say

Date
2016-06-16

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Garda Donal Maguire, 40, of Bundoran, Co. Donegal, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on two counts of harassing a female sergeant between February 2012 and February 2013. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecution counsel Gerardine Small BL stated that while the harassment is not disputed, the jury must determine if Maguire suffered from a mental disorder at the time. Two forensic psychiatrists, Dr. Brenda Wright for the State and Dr. Conor O'Neill for the defence, testified that Maguire was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, an early-onset condition, from approximately 2010. They concluded that his disorder, which included symptoms such as erotomania and a lack of empathy, meant he did not appreciate his actions were wrong and lacked the ability to form intent under the Criminal Law (Insanity Act 2006). Both experts noted that his persistent behaviour, despite warnings from superiors, was consistent with his diagnosis. Defence counsel Ronan Kennedy BL described the case as tragic, noting Maguire's promising career was affected by his illness. Maguire is currently being treated in the Central Mental Hospital with no immediate plans for discharge. Both legal teams urged the jury to return a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury, comprising three women and nine men, was addressed by Judge Elma Sheahan and is expected to retire to consider their verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda (40) who harassed colleague was suffering from early-onset dementia, psychiatrists say. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 18 Hearing Or Sentence
March 11, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
August 1, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
February 4, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2016-06-16 Publication

Why: They both also said that he lacked the ability to form intent, as set out under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, at the time of the offence because of his mental disorder. CNI source report