Neil O’Dowd found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity

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

A jury found Neil O’Dowd not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court on 1 February 2023. The verdict was returned to Mr Justice Paul McDermott.

O’Dowd was charged with the attempted murder of his former employer, Paul Smith, at The Elphin Pub in Sutton on 28 January 2021. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He was also charged with assault causing harm and producing knives during the same incident.

After the verdict, prosecution counsel Marc Thompson BL said the defence had a doctor’s letter stating that O’Dowd had psychotic depression, was taking medication and did not require inpatient care. He suggested a report should be prepared on O’Dowd’s current mental health before the court considered a committal order.

Defence counsel Nicola Cox BL agreed with the prosecution’s remarks. She said O’Dowd had been on bail with strict conditions to engage with his mental health team and that there had been no adverse issues.

Mr Justice McDermott adjourned the matter to 15 February for evidence about O’Dowd’s prognosis and current treatment. O’Dowd was remanded on continuing bail until then. The proceedings were reported on 1 February 2023.