Lateef Bello’s attempted murder trial goes to jury

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

The jury began deliberating in Lateef Bello’s attempted murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 27 January 2015.

Bello pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of Adejoke Opesusi at Littlepace in Clonee, and to burglary, criminal damage, endangerment and assault causing harm. The case concerned events on 19 February 2012.

Prosecuting counsel Paul O’Higgins SC reminded the jury that all three consultant psychiatrists who testified were in agreement. He suggested that the appropriate verdict was not guilty by reason of insanity. Michael Bowman SC, defending, also urged the jury to adopt the expert opinions.

Mr Bowman said Bello had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia during two months at the Central Medical Hospital in Dundrum following his arrest. He said Bello’s condition could be controlled with anti-psychotic medication and that he had no psychiatric history or previous convictions.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott asked the jury of seven men and five women to return a unanimous decision.