Jury rejects insanity defence, returning manslaughter verdicts on grounds of diminished responsibility; sentencing hearing set for December 14th.
Robert O’Connor has been found guilty of the manslaughter of his parents, Mark and Louise; and youngest brother, Evan, at the family home in Drumgowna, Co Louth, by reason of diminished responsibility.
The defence had sought a special verdict of NOT GUILTY by reason of insanity, but that was rejected by the jury after just over four hours considering the evidence.
Both sides agreed that he was suffering from a mental disorder when he stabbed them to death, but disagreed on the criteria required for the special verdict.
The prosecution’s expert was of the view that he was capable of knowing what he was doing was wrong; and could have stopped himself from carrying out the killings.
His sentence hearing will take place on the 14th of December.
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