Man sentenced in mothers killing

A 25 year old limerick man who strangled his mother back in 2000 has been found not to bear any moral culpability for his actions as he was under the influence of mental illness.

Damien Donnan killed his mother back in 2000 on April 17th at the family home in 3 De Valera Park, Thomand Gate.

And because of remission, he has already served his eight-year sentence because of the amount of time he has been in custody since the killing.

More from the Irish Examinier:

“I do not want to impose any further punishment. I do want to protect Damien Donnan from himself and also protect the community as best I can.

“He does not bear any moral culpability, his family have always been caring for him,” the judge said. Noting that the accused spent the equivalent of an eight-year sentence, with remission, in prison, he said that was about the average sentence being imposed in manslaughter cases.

The case was put back many times over the years as efforts were made to create a suitable regime that would care for Donnan and also protect the community. He had been in custody at Limerick Prison and getting regular weekend releases to stay with his family.

Consultant psychiatrist at Limerick Regional Hospital, Dr Patrick Doyle, noted that prior to the manslaughter, the defendant had been subjected to a lot of verbal and physical abuse from his mother who had a definite alcohol problem.

Dr Doyle said that the defendant could be put on medication to be administered weekly rather than daily on his release. He suggested lithium.

Mr. Donnan now must comply with all lawful instructions in relation to his medical treatment,the judge said.