The family of an 82-year-old man who was killed by another patient in a psychiatric hospital has said the legal system favoured the defendant.
Michael Treanor, who had dementia, was killed by 50-year-old Ian Harman, while a patient at the psychiatric unit of Cavan General Hospital in June 2011.
Mr Harman, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, strangled Mr Treanor with a belt and smothered him with a pillow.
He will be sentenced next week.
At the sentence hearing today the Central Criminal Court heard Mr Harman, from Carrickallen, Mountain Lodge, Cootehill, Co Cavan was suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, after a certain medication had been discontinued and had not slept for two days.
He had been suicidal and had fantasized about killing someone so he could be sent to prison because he felt worthless.
In a victim impact statement read by prosecuting counsel Paddy McCarthy, Mr Treanor's nephew Michael McKenna said the last two years had been a difficult journey.
The family accepted that "every citizen was entitled to a fair and impartial trial.
However, we feel strongly that the system has favoured the defendant with the whole focus being on mitigation and legal wrangling and little about the victim.
Somehow, among the legalities, Mick our uncle has dissipated."
They described him as a "fine country gentleman who appreciated more than anything the outdoors and freedom that working the land gave him.
It is ironic that his first encounter with a closed environment of psychiatric hospital ward was to be his last".
The family also said they recognised the pain and distress placed on the nursing and medical staff and they hoped they would be able to "move forward and put this dreadful episode behind them".
"We also understand that the defendant's family are suffering. We hope that healing can happen for them and for everyone affected."
Defence counsel Caroline Biggs said it was a most unusual case where the withdrawal of medication had caused a mental disorder.
She said medical and nursing notes on the night of the killing had described Mr Harman as distraught and suicidal.
CCTV showed he had been walking around for more than eight hours trying to tire himself out because he had not slept in two days.
Character references submitted by the defence showed a good work record and he was described as a "gentleman" by many.
He had a history of alcohol abuse, depression and a borderline personality disorder, the court heard.
One report described him as "remorseful and utterly guilt ridden".
Ms Biggs asked the judge to consider suspending part of his sentence on condition that he engage in rehabilitation.
She asked that it be taken into consideration that he immediately admitted his guilt and cooperated fully with hospital staff and gardaí.
Mr Justice Sheehan adjourned sentencing until Monday next.
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