Murder accused began using drugs at 10, trial hears

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence concerning a Castlebar man accused of fatally stabbing his mother. The accused, aged 22, of Derrycrieve, Islandeady, has admitted manslaughter but denies murder in connection with the death of a 46-year-old woman on 9 March 2011. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that a post-mortem examination revealed 19 stab wounds alongside slash wounds, bruises and abrasions. He identified injuries to the face, torso and legs, including penetration to the brain and severing of major blood vessels. Death resulted from catastrophic haemorrhaging, he concluded. Defence evidence included testimony from consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Paul O'Connell, who stated the accused began using drugs aged 10 and was experiencing substance-induced psychosis at the time of the alleged killing. A clinical psychologist similarly examined the accused. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and jury.