Ireland Man sentenced to ten years for attempted murder of his mother in Co Cork
Gearoid Coughlan, a 32-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia, beat and repeatedly stabbed his mother, Mary Coughlan, at her home in Ballycoughlan, Co Cork, on 4 June 2021, leaving her with catastrophic, lifelong injuries. He pleaded guilty to attempting to murder her, and on 13 May 2024 the Central Criminal Court sentenced him to ten years in prison, with the final two years suspended for six years on 18 conditions. After his sentence he will be supervised for six years by probation and psychiatric services. The judge said Irish law does not allow a hospital order.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced13 May
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gearoid Coughlan, 32, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his mother, Mary Coughlan.
- Mary Coughlan suffered catastrophic, lifelong injuries in the attack.
- Gearoid Coughlan beat his mother and repeatedly stabbed her.
- Where
- The attack took place at the victim's home in Ballycoughlan, Co Cork.
- When
- The attempted murder took place on 4 June 2021.
- Cause
- Gearoid Coughlan has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- Charges
- Gearoid Coughlan pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his mother.
- In court
- The Central Criminal Court heard that the probation service considers him at high risk of reoffending in a community setting.
- The judge noted the assault took place in the victim's home, where the defendant was cherished, cared for and supported.
- Sentence
- The judge set a headline sentence of 21 years, reduced to 12 years for the guilty plea and reduced moral responsibility.
- He was sentenced to ten years in prison, with the final two years suspended for six years on 18 conditions.
- After his sentence he will undergo six years of supervision by probation and psychiatric services.
- Other details
- The judge said Irish law does not allow a hospital order in this case.
- Mary Coughlan said mental health services in Ireland are inadequate to care for complex mental illness in the community.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMary Coughlan suffered catastrophic, lifelong injuries when her son attempted to murder her. (irishtimes.com)
- whatHer son beat her and repeatedly stabbed her. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe attack took place at the victim's home in Ballycoughlan. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe attempted murder took place on June 4th, 2021. (irishtimes.com)
- causeGearoid Coughlan has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeGearoid Coughlan pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his mother. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe Central Criminal Court heard that Coughlan is at high risk of reoffending in a community setting. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge noted that the assault took place in the victim's home where the defendant was cherished, cared for and supported. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceCoughlan was sentenced to ten years in prison. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe judge set a headline sentence of 21 years and reduced it to 12 years for the guilty plea and reduced moral responsibility. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe final two years of the sentence were suspended for six years with 18 conditions. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceCoughlan will undergo six years of supervision by probation and psychiatric services after his sentence. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe judge said it is not possible under Irish law to impose a hospital order. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 13 May2024Woman whose son is jailed for trying to murder her criticises ‘inadequate mental health services in Ireland’
Reports the sentencing of Gearoid Coughlan to ten years in prison, with the final two years suspended for six years, and the victim's reaction. The mother criticises mental health services and the judge says Irish law does not allow a hospital order.
convicted, 32, male, irish (judged from name)victim, Mary Coughlan, female, irish (judged from name)Mary Coughlan