Paul Cuddihy pleads not guilty by reason of insanity to murder

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

Paul Cuddihy (38) has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Maria O'Brien.

The charge concerns Maria O'Brien (55) at St Otteran's Hospital in Waterford city on 5 September 2014. Cuddihy was a former resident of the hospital's psychiatric unit.

He also faces charges of assault causing harm to nurses Breda Fennelly, Mary Grant and Terry Hayes and fellow hospital resident Mary Nugent, all relating to 5 September 2014. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to those charges.

The Central Criminal Court heard evidence about Ms O’Brien’s injuries on 3 November 2016. The proceedings were reported on 3 November 2016.

The report said she had suffered more than 100 knife wounds to her head and face. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis said she also suffered a broken nose and defensive injuries to her hands.

Dr Curtis said she died from blood loss due to a knife wound to her jugular vein, with blunt force trauma to the head a contributing factor.

The trial was continuing.