Limerick surgeon accused of criminal damage and assault found not guilty by reason of insanity
It was alleged that Dr Cullen damaged a multitude of fixtures, fittings and crockery and also assaulted two elderly women and a man during the course of the dispute
AN orthopaedic surgeon accused of assaulting three people and causing nearly €40,000 in damage to a Limerick hotel has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Dr Emmett Cullen, now aged 50, with an address at Mill Road, Corbally, Limerick, appeared before Limerick Circuit Court on charges of criminal damage, assault causing harm and production of a fire extinguisher. These arose from one continuous incident at the Clayton Hotel on May 4, 2023.
It was alleged that Dr Cullen damaged a multitude of fixtures, fittings and crockery and also assaulted two elderly women and a man during the course of the dispute.
Judge Colin Daly was also informed that the accused was said to have shouted and lunged at children, among other incidents.
Throughout the course of the three-day trial, a 19-minute compilation of CCTV footage was played, Dr Cullen’s garda interview was recounted, eyewitness accounts were read and two psychiatrists, for the prosecution and defence, gave evidence.
It was also disclosed that Dr Cullen was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in 2019.
Both psychiatrists told the jury, separately, that they were satisfied that the cause for a verdict of ‘not guilty by reason of insanity’ had been established and that it was their belief that he was experiencing a mental health episode related to his illness.
In his closing address, Prosecuting Barrister John O’Sullivan told the jury the fact that the surgeon paid compensation to the hotel following the incident “is an admission” that he caused the damage.
He asked the jury to adjudicate based on the “clear” evidence that the accused committed the acts.
Appearing for the defence, Aaron Desmond, BL, declared that his client is not disputing that he committed the offences but asked the jury to “pay attention” to what was before the court.
Judge Colin Daly reminded jurors that “the evidence is your map, you must follow the map” and treat deliberations "coldly" and “dispassionately” by not factoring in any potential prejudice or sympathy they may have.
After just 20 minutes of deliberation, a jury of six men and six women returned a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity on all charges.