Saverio Bellante committed after insanity murder verdict

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

Saverio Bellante was committed to the Central Mental Hospital for an indefinite period after being found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his landlord. The proceedings were reported on 12 August 2015.

A jury returned the verdict in July 2015. Bellante admitted killing his landlord, Tom O'Gorman, in January 2014 at the house they shared in Castleknock, Dublin. Doctors agreed he had been in the grip of an acute psychotic episode that night.

Three forensic psychiatrists agreed that Bellante had schizophrenia and required medication for life. Dr Damien Mohan said his condition had improved significantly and he now understood that his actions resulted from a delusion or false belief.

Dr Mohan said Bellante still suffered from a mental disorder and, because of its severity, posed a threat to others. The report said he could receive the necessary treatment only in an approved secure centre.

Judge Margaret Heneghan said the medical evidence made commitment to the Central Mental Hospital appropriate. Bellante's medical condition was to be assessed every six months.