MAN JAILED FOR MANSLAUGHTER OF FATHER IN LURGAN AFTER MENTAL HEALTH DECLINE
A 37-year-old man who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his father on the grounds of diminished responsibility has been sentenced to serve a minimum of five years.Michael Philip McGleenon, from Shannon Clinic, Saintfield Road, Belfast, admitted his guilt in April.
His father, Michael Joseph McGleenon, aged 75, was found dead at his home off the Old Portadown Road, Lurgan, on 12 November 2009.
The court was informed that McGleenon made several 999 calls to police in Lurgan on the same day, claiming his father was dead, that he was mentally unwell, and that he had just been released from a psychiatric unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.
The police forced entry into the house and discovered the body of the elderly man in the upstairs bedroom.
The court heard that McGleenon had 19 stab wounds to his father's chest and many superficial injuries on his back suggestive of light stabbing.
The pathologist described the attack as very violent and prolonged.
Evidence was presented that McGleenon had developed serious paranoid delusions around 2005, leading to his admission to psychiatric units both in Munich and Northern Ireland.
Despite being prescribed anti-psychotic medication, he was noted on several occasions in late 2009 not to be taking his medication, which contributed to the tragic killing a few days after his release from hospital.
Court psychiatrist reports concluded that McGleenon suffered from a severe, documented psychiatric condition, necessitating treatment at Carstairs Hospital in Scotland.
The judge, Mr Justice Hart, stated that it is not currently possible to determine if McGleenon will be fit for release, but if so, it would likely take at least five years of treatment in a high-security hospital, with continued medical oversight post-release to prevent a repeat of persecutory delusions and violent acts.
The court emphasized that McGleenon’s mental illness was a key factor, and the legal process also highlighted issues with legislation concerning the transfer of mentally ill remand prisoners to high-security hospitals like Carstairs.
