Paul Henry found not guilty of murdering his mother by reason of insanity

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

Paul Henry was found not guilty of murdering his mother, Ann Henry, by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 17 February 2016.

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

Defence counsel Colm Smyth SC told the jury that his client admitted killing his mother. He called consultant psychiatrist Professor Tom Fahey, who diagnosed a psychotic disorder described as “delusional disorder”. In Professor Tom Fahey’s opinion, Paul Henry was “unable to refrain from committing the act”, and this propelled him to act as he did.

Prosecution counsel Caroline Biggs SC called forensic psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright, who diagnosed Paul Henry with “paranoid schizophrenia”. Dr Brenda Wright said he lacked the capacity to form intent at the time because of his mental disorder.

The jury deliberated for one hour and 36 minutes before returning its unanimous verdict. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said the verdict was legally correct on the evidence and described Paul Henry as very unwell.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt ordered Paul Henry’s detention in the Central Mental Hospital and put the matter in for 10.30am the following morning.