Ireland Mullingar man found not guilty of attempted murder of brother by reason of insanity
Gary O'Shaughnessy, 39, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of attempting to murder his brother Mark O'Shaughnessy, 42, at their home in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, in May 2024. The jury at the Central Criminal Court deliberated for 32 minutes before returning unanimous verdicts, and Judge Tony Hunt committed Gary to the Central Mental Hospital.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court16 Apr
- Acquitted16 Apr
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports25 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGary told gardaí he hit Mark on the side of the head five times with a hammer and also tried to slash his own wrists. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGary was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2015 and had stopped taking his medication about five months before the offence. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDr Michael Isaac found that the accused did not know the nature and quality of the act and could not refrain from committing it. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDr Mark Joynt diagnosed the accused with paranoid schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol dependency. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDr Joynt said the accused did not know what he was doing was wrong and was unable to refrain from committing the act. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGary O'Shaughnessy attacked his brother with a hammer and knife (irishtimes.com)
- whatGary had a history of noncompliance with antipsychotic medication (irishtimes.com)
- whatHe had not attended outpatient appointments in the lead-up to the attack (irishtimes.com)
- whatGary suffered from an alcohol disorder (irishtimes.com)
- whatHe had not been drinking on the day of the attack (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe jury accepted that Gary was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the attack (irishtimes.com)
- whatHe struck his brother with a hammer on the head (irishtimes.com)
- whatHe cut his brother's neck with a knife (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe attack took place at Ailesbury House, Lynn Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe incident occurred between 15 and 16 May 2024 (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is further charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to his brother on the same date and location. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe accused pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both charges. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe was charged with the attempted murder of his brother Mark (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe was further charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both charges (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial is being heard before Mr Justice Tony Hunt at the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury of seven men and five women deliberated for 32 minutes (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity on both counts (irishtimes.com)
- courtHis return before court is scheduled for 24 April 2026 (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial lasted three days at the Central Criminal Court (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 16 Apr2026Mullingar man found not guilty of attempted murder of his brother by reason of insanity
Verdict delivered on 16 April 2026; defendant committed to Central Mental Hospital with return before court scheduled for 24 April 2026.
accused, 39, male, irish (judged from name)victim, 42, male, irish (judged from name) - 16 Apr2026Care assistant found vulnerable patient ‘drained’ of blood by brother, court hears
First day of trial: care assistant Louise McGloin and paramedic Gary Finley gave evidence describing the scene, and two forensic psychiatrists (Dr Michael Isaac for the defence, Dr Mark Joynt for the prosecution) testified that the accused suffered from schizophrenia and fulfils the criteria for not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
accused, 39, male, irish (judged from name)victim, 42, male, irish (judged from name)