MUM WHO KILLED 3 KIDS COMMITTED INTO MENTAL CARE
Judge satisfied Morley, 44, is still suffering from disorder
A MOTHER found not guilty of murdering her children by reason of insanity was committed to the Central Mental Hospital yesterday.
Paediatric nurse Deirdre Morley smothered her three young kids at home in Newcastle, Co Dublin, in January last year.
Mr Justice Paul Coffey said yesterday he was satisfied she continues to suffer from a mental disorder under the meaning of the legislation and is in need of inpatient care at a designated centre.
He then made an order committing her to the CMH for further inpatient care under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act.
Under the Act, her condition will be reviewed every six months by the Mental Health Review Board.
Her husband Andrew Mcginley said he would be meeting the HSE to discuss how an independent review into his wife’s diagnosis and treatment would be conducted.
Morley, 44, of Parson’s Court in Newcastle, had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Conor, nine, Darragh, seven, and three-year-old Carla.
The children’s bodies were discovered at the family home just before 8pm on January 24 last year. On May 20, Morley was found not guilty by reason of insanity after a jury accepted the evidence given by two psychiatrists that the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killings and fulfilled the criteria for the special verdicts.
Following the ruling, Mr Justice Coffey made an order committing her to the CMH in Dundrum, Dublin, until May 31 so an approved medical officer could prepare a psychiatric assessment.
The case was adjourned on that date to allow time for lawyers to consider the psychiatric report.
The matter was back before the court yesterday where defence counsel Michael Bowman told Mr Justice Coffey that the court had the report and both sides had read it. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney from the CMH, who conducted the examination on Morley, also appeared on the video link for the brief hearing at the Central Criminal Court.
Mr Justice Coffey said: “I’ve received and considered the report of approved medical officer Dr Mullaney including his findings.”
I have received & considered psychiatric report
MR JUSTICE PAUL COFFEY YESTERDAY