Mental disorders diminished killer's responsibility, psychiatrist tells trial

A consultant psychiatrist has testified at the Central Criminal Court that a 30-year-old man accused of killing two elderly brothers in Castlebar was suffering from three mental disorders that diminished his responsibility for the offences. Dr Pawan Rajpal told the jury that Alan Cawley, of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina, had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Mr Cawley has admitted killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar, but pleaded not guilty to murder. Dr Rajpal stated that all three conditions would have substantially diminished the accused man's ability to control impulses and learn from mistakes. Forensic evidence presented by the prosecution detailed extensive blood staining patterns at the scene, indicating both brothers were attacked whilst in vulnerable positions. The trial before Mr Justice Paul Coffey continues.