Psychiatrist Disagrees That Man On Trial For Murder Of Newbridge Man Was Suffering From Mental Disorder At The Time

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 15:33

By Eoin Beatty

Brian Ibe is currently on trial for the murder of Peter Kennedy in Newbridge in 2020

A psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court she doesn’t agree a man on trial for murder was suffering from a mental disorder at the time.

23-year-old Brian Ibe of no fixed abode but with a previous address at Moore Park, Newbridge is denying the charge by reason of insanity.

The court heard in April 2020 Brian Ibe travelled from his hostel in Walkinstown Dublin to Peter Kennedy’s home in Moore Park in Newbridge where he assaulted him.

The 65-year-old, who’s been described as a gentleman, died two weeks later.

There’s no dispute the 23-year-old attacked Mr Kennedy, who had housed him and his mother when they were homeless, but rather his state of mind at the time.

He’s pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and expert evidence has been given that he was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the attack .

The court heard he had been hearing voices in his head and smoking cannabis.

But a different expert giving evidence today said she didn’t agree.

Consultant Psychiatrist Mary Davoren, said this diagnosis of schizophrenia wasn’t given until 41 days after the attack - with a view that he was masking symptoms - but she said there no was documented evidence to base that on.

The trial continues.

More from Local News

Quarter Of Uisce Éireann Staff Earned Over €100k Last Year

Audio

Officials from Uisce Eireann are appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, outlining the company’s financial statements for 2024.
Meath Bird Flu Case Prompts Warning, But Chicken And Turkey Safe To Eat, Says Agriculture Minister

Audio

After confirmed cases in Carlow and Cork, the Department of Agriculture is imposing a mandatory order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from next Monday.
One-Month Road Closure In Catherinestown To Start Next Week To Facilitate Maynooth Pipeline Works

The road will shut from the junction with the L5050 at Catherinstown to the L1015 at Kellystown from November 10th to December 6th.
Commuter Chaos On M7/N7 Renews Calls For Standby Emergency Response Team During Morning Gridlock

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers said he would ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Minister Of Transport to better resource the response to certain incidents.
Thousands Of Workers Could Get Tax Back In Time For Christmas, Says Financial Advisor

People can also claim on GP visits, prescriptions and rent - along with flat rate expenses for certain professions.
Tension In Fianna Fáil Over Alleged Rebel List, With Kildare TD Sean Ó Fearghaíl Labelled Part Of Old Guard

At a private parliamentary party meeting last night, Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl said he was surprised to be described as part of an “old guard”, noting he is almost the same age as the party leader.
Exclusive: Cllr Bill Clear To Join Independent Ireland After Months Of Discussions

According to a source, Cllr Clear's decision to join the party was “common sense” because his views align with the party's "centre-right" positioning of the political spectrum.
WATCH: Car Linked To Attempted Naas Robbery Spotted In Newcastle - Gardaí Warn Public Not To Approach

Gardaí are urging the public not to approach the occupants and to contact them immediately with any information