American Henry McGowan was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his Father.
A jury has returned a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity in the trial of an American man who stood trial for murdering his father at Ballyfin Demesne.
31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled John McGowan to death at the 5-star hotel.
It happened on the 12th of November 2024 after his father travelled to Ireland in search of his son who was having mental health difficulties.
Tragically, he died at the hands of his son in a changing room just off the swimming pool area where they were due to stay while Henry waited on new travel documents after discarding his passport and belongings.
Two independent forensic psychiatrists were in agreement that Henry was having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death.
He had a history of mental illness and was diagnosed with schizoaffected disorder.
The facts of the case were not in dispute, and after just over an hour of jury deliberations, the special verdict was returned this afternoon.
Henry McGowan will now be further assessed at the Central Mental Hospital.
Minister For National Drugs Strategy Pledges Gardai Drug Specialists
Offaly Chef Criticises Government School Lunches
Offaly GAA Club Hosting Drive-In Bingo This Weekend
Laois County Council Launch Bat Lovers Group
Argentine Ambassador To Visit Westmeath Library
Westmeath Children's Charity Awarded For Sustainability
Longford-Westmeath TD Condemns Explicit AI Images
Westmeath Matchmaker Shares Top Valentines Day Tips
Farmer Concerns Mount Over Slurry Storage Capacity
Jury For Laois Murder Trial Told Evidence Points "One-Way"
Scene Of Offaly Crash Cleared
Family Of Midlands Man Seek Answers On Psychiatric Care System Gaps
Westmeath Mansion Worth Over €1.7m Hits Housing Market
Laois Councillor Criticises Government Response To Flooding
Laois Protesters Host Anti-Hunt Ball
Midlands 103 Reaches 112k Weekly Listeners In Latest JNLR Report
Longford-Westmeath TD Calls For Changes In ADHD policies
HSE Midlands And Dublin Record Highest Number Of STI's
Laois Heritage Society Launches Spring Talks With Evening of Folklore
Midlands Counties Among Most Superstitious Regions In Ireland