Accused had ‘severe mental illness’

A 20-year-old man was suffering from “an acute exacerbation” of schizophrenia when he brandished knives towards two passers-by and six gardaí, a court has heard.

The court heard from consultant psychiatrist Paul O’Connell that Paul Clarke’s medication had been reduced prior to the incident, which may have precipitated a relapse of his condition.

The jury was told the defence are accepting that the facts are correct but contending that Mr Clarke was suffering from a mental illness at the time to such an extent that he is entitled to a defence of insanity.