Murder trial hears deceased had history of depression

The jury in the trial of a man accused of killing another man two years ago has heard the deceased had a history of depression.

Kevin Coughlan (aged 29), of Avondale Drive, Greystones, Limerick has pleaded not (NOT) guilty of murdering Francis Greene at Steamboat Quay on a date unknown between November 28 and November 29, 2009.

He has pleaded not guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Greene between Lower Hartstonge Street and Steamboat Quay in Limerick on November 28, 2009.

Mr Coughlan also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Roy Finn and not guilty to the production of a knife during that alleged assault at Lower Hartstonge Street on 28 November 2009.

The court heard the 47-year-old’s body was found six weeks later on the bank of the River Shannon on farming land at Portrine, Co. Clare on February 5, 2010.

Dr Gerald O’ Regan told Mr Paddy McCarthy SC defending, Mr Greene who was a patient of his had been diagnosed with depression.

He said Mr Greene had a past history of overdose, attempted hanging, attempted drowning, and cutting himself.

Dr O’ Regan said he last attended for medical attention for toe pain in June 2009 and previously in November 2008 for musculoskeletal pain which was treated with painkillers.

But the doctor said he had been prescribed no medication for depression between the years 2006 and 2009.

Under cross-examination he agreed with Mr Michael Collins BL defending Mr Greene suffered from impulsive tendencies and suicidal ideation.

Mr Anthony Sammon SC told the jury he wished to make admissions that his client’s arrest and detention were lawful.

The trial, which is now in legal argument, will resume on Monday before a jury of 10 men and two women presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.