Murder accused "completely changed" after childhood attack

At the Central Criminal Court, a 22-year-old man from Derrycrieve, Islandeady, Castlebar pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter in connection with the death of his mother, Noreen Kelly, on March 9, 2011. The 46-year-old died of multiple stab wounds at their home. During proceedings before Mr Justice Paul Carney, the court heard evidence that the accused's behaviour had significantly altered following a violent assault he sustained aged twelve, when two men attacked him with implements whilst he was in a field. His mother's former partner testified that the incident profoundly affected the accused and that his mother had later expressed concern about his unwillingness to seek counselling. The witness also stated that the accused began using drugs months before Ms Kelly's death. A detective sergeant recalled that when arrested hours after the incident, the accused indicated his mother had attacked him first and that he had carried a knife. Hospital records subsequently documented that the accused tested positive for multiple controlled substances and received a diagnosis of acute psychotic episode.