Murder accused said he was delusional when he killed his mother

A 22-year-old man from Castlebar has admitted manslaughter but denies murder in connection with the death of his mother at their home in Derrycrieve, Islandeady on 9 March 2011. The Central Criminal Court heard that the accused disputed suggestions he killed his mother after she destroyed his drugs, instead claiming he acted while delusional. Detective Garda Róisín Loftus gave evidence of interviews conducted the day after the 46-year-old woman was found with multiple stab wounds. The court was told forensic analysis identified methamphetamine residue in charred packaging recovered from the family home. The accused stated he had consumed prescription medication and amphetamine in the hours before the incident and believed his medication had been tampered with. Medical evidence previously presented indicated he received a diagnosis of acute psychotic episode secondary to polysubstance abuse following his arrest. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Carney and jury continues.