Niall Stapleton found not guilty of murdering mother

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

Niall Stapleton was found not guilty of murdering his mother by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 18 December 2013.

He had pleaded not guilty to murdering Siobhan Stapleton at Glebe Lodge, Kilfane, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, on 25 May 2012. He admitted causing her death after she suffered blunt-force trauma to the head.

The trial heard that Stapleton believed his mother had been replaced by an impostor when he struck her with a garden implement. Forensic psychiatrists for the prosecution and defence agreed that he met the requirements for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Mr Justice Garret Sheehan committed Stapleton to the Central Mental Hospital for preparation of a report. The case was due back before the judge the following morning to decide whether to make a more substantial committal order.