"Unacceptable" that dangerous mentally ill man lived "just doors down", victim's parents tell court

A man has been found not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court for the killing of a twenty-year-old in Sligo. Richard McLaughlin, aged 32, of The Laurels, Woodtown Lodge, Sligo, was charged with the murder of Jimmy James Loughlin on Connolly Street on 24 February 2018. The court heard that McLaughlin broke down his neighbour's front door and attacked him with a crowbar whilst experiencing delusions related to paranoid schizophrenia. Two consultant forensic psychiatrists gave evidence that McLaughlin did not know his actions were wrong and was unable to prevent himself from committing the act. The deceased's parents expressed concern that someone known to mental health services and considered at risk of serious violence had been living nearby. Justice Carmel Stewart directed that a report on McLaughlin's ongoing treatment be prepared for the court's consideration.