Jury in Paul Henry murder trial sent home after deliberations

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

The jury hearing Paul Henry's murder trial at the Central Criminal Court was sent home for the evening after deliberating for just under an hour. The proceedings were reported on 16 February 2016.

Paul Henry, 29, faced a charge of murdering his mother, Ann Henry. The alleged murder took place on 17 September 2011 at Abbeystown, Ballyphesan in Roscommon town. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Prosecution counsel Caroline Biggs SC called forensic psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright, whose diagnosis was paranoid schizophrenia. Dr Brenda Wright said Paul Henry's mental disorder prevented him from forming intent. She said he did not understand the nature or quality of his act and could not stop himself. She described his belief that his mother planned to have him killed and that killing her was necessary to prevent his own death.

In her closing address, Caroline Biggs SC said the DPP supported a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. She said the doctors treating Paul Henry at the Central Mental Hospital fully endorsed the assessments of the two forensic psychiatrists.

Defence counsel Colm Smyth SC urged the jury to reach the same verdict. The report said both doctors considered that Paul Henry understood his actions were wrong but was unable to stop himself. Colm Smyth SC said Paul Henry continued to hold those delusional beliefs.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt gave the jury its charge before deliberations began.