Jury to begin deliberating in trial of man accused of murdering his mother

A jury at the Central Criminal Court will begin deliberating tomorrow in the case of a Castlebar man charged with murdering his mother. Celyn Eadon of Derrycrieve, Islandeady is accused of killing Noreen Kelly at their home in March 2011. The 22-year-old admits to her manslaughter but denies murder. The defence argued that drug use from childhood caused a mental disorder that diminished his responsibility, or that intoxication prevented him forming intent to kill. The prosecution contended he was not suffering from mental disorder and that the disappearance of his drugs from his room may have triggered the fatal attack. Medical evidence presented conflicting accounts regarding whether the accused had a mental disorder. The eight-day trial concluded with closing arguments from both the defence and State. Mr Justice Paul Carney instructed the jury of seven men and five women that their task would be difficult.