Man jailed for suffocating elderly patient in psychiatric unit

A man who used a belt and pillow to suffocate a fellow patient in a psychiatric unit has today been jailed for eight years.

Ian Harman, originally from England but with an address at Carrigallen Mountain Lodge, Cootehill, killed 82-year-old Michael Traynor at Cavan General Hospital in June 2011.

Ian Harman was charged with murdering Michael Traynor but on day 8 of his trial he pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the DPP.

The court heard the 50-year-old had a mental disorder at the time of the killing which happened in June 2011 just days after he attempted suicide and was admitted to the psychiatric unit of Cavan General Hospital.

In the early hours of June 27, he smothered fellow patient Michael Traynor in his bed using a belt and a pillow and immediately told the nursing staff what he had done.

The court heard there was no friction between the two men - the only apparent motive is that Ian Harman had been fantasising about killing someone as a way of getting into prison.

Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan has imposed a 10-year sentence with two years suspended.