Psychiatrists Clash Over Insanity Verdict in Kerry Matricide Case

A trial in the Central Criminal Court has brought to light conflicting psychiatric opinions regarding the mental state of Billy Burns, who is charged with the killing of his mother, Miriam Burns, aged 75, at their home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney, Co Kerry. The key issue at stake is whether Burns, who was experiencing a manic episode related to bipolar disorder, qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Two consultant psychiatrists presented differing views on Burns’ mental condition at the time of the incident, which is alleged to have occurred between August 12 and August 15, 2022. Dr. Eugene Morgan, testifying for the defense, affirmed that he diagnosed Burns with bipolar affective disorder and noted that his mental state had deteriorated significantly following the alleged offense. He observed Burns eleven days after the incident while the accused was remanded in Cork Prison.

During the court proceedings, Dr. Morgan described Burns as hypomanic at first, which later escalated to mania. He indicated that Burns was experiencing a relapse of his bipolar disorder, exacerbated by non-compliance with medication and substance misuse. Dr. Morgan concluded that Burns did not understand the nature of his actions, thereby meeting the criteria under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

In contrast, Dr. Stephen Monks, another consultant psychiatrist, presented a more cautious assessment. He reviewed a range of materials, including statements from the book of evidence, the accused’s psychiatric history dating back to 1991, and recorded interviews with Gardaí. Dr. Monks acknowledged that Burns had been abusing alcohol and drugs in the days leading up to his mother’s death, which likely contributed to a relapse of his bipolar disorder.

Dr. Monks stated that Burns had reported hearing voices urging him to kill his mother. However, he noted that there was no prior record of auditory hallucinations in Burns’ medical history, which limited the credibility of this claim. Ultimately, Dr. Monks concluded that while Burns was likely suffering from mania or hypomania, he believed Burns was aware of the nature and wrongfulness of his actions during the attack.

The court learned that Burns had admitted to consuming ten beers daily, accompanied by whiskey and various drugs, including crack cocaine and cannabis, prior to the incident. Dr. Monks emphasized that although mania may have reduced Burns’ impulse control, it did not absolve him of responsibility for the act of killing.

The trial continues, with Dr. Monks set to undergo cross-examination by the defense on Monday before Ms. Justice Karen O’Connor and a jury comprising eight men and four women. The outcome will hinge on the jurors’ interpretation of the psychiatric evaluations and the question of Burns’ mental state during the tragic event.