Man accused of trying to murder his grandmother found not guilty by reason of insanity

A man has gone on trial accused of trying to murder his grandmother while she prepared lunch for him just a few days before Christmas 2013.

Eoghan O’Mahoney of Craigford Drive, Killester, Dublin 5 claims he repeatedly stabbed her with a kitchen knife after receiving a “vision from God”.

He told gardaí he “loved her to bits” but had to kill her after receiving a “vision from God”.

The court heard Eoghan O’Mahoney and his grandmother had a very close relationship. They lived across the road from each other and spent a lot of time together.

On December 19, 2013, the then 88-year-old was preparing their lunch when he called over and attacked her with a kitchen knife.

He knocked her to the ground and repeatedly kicked her until his brother came to her rescue.

He told gardaí he was “like a robot” that day and had no choice but to kill her after receiving a vision from God. He said: “The Bible saved her life.”

A psychiatrist diagnosed him with a severe mental illness that caused him to hallucinate and hear voices commanding him to do things.

After 20 minutes of deliberations this afternoon, the jury returned a special verdict of NOT guilty by reason of insanity.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy will decide what’s best for the 34-year-old when he’s brought back to court later this month.