Edward Boylan Jnr found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Edward Boylan Jnr was found not guilty of his father’s murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 9 May 2014.

He admitted causing the death of Edward Boylan Snr, 74, on 6 or 7 January 2012. He pleaded not guilty to murder. The charge concerned his father’s death at his flat in the Ravensdale Close retirement complex in Crumlin.

Both the prosecution and the defence called for the special verdict following psychiatric assessments. Psychiatrists for both sides testified that he met the criteria for an insanity verdict. Both experts were satisfied that he was unable to refrain from his actions because of his mental disorder.

Mr Justice Paul Carney told the jury that all the evidence supported a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The seven men and five women reached their unanimous verdict after 14 minutes. The judge committed him to the Central Mental Hospital for preparation of a report on his future treatment. That report was due in court on 19 May.