Courts

Wicklow farmer unfit to stand trial for murder of his brother

Cecil Tomkins who has dementia and Parkinson’s disease had pleaded not guilty

Cecil Tomkins: acused of murdering his older broter Walter at Cronlea, Shillelagh, Co Wicklow in 2010. Photograph: Collins
Cecil Tomkins: acused of murdering his older broter Walter at Cronlea, Shillelagh, Co Wicklow in 2010. Photograph: Collins
Tue Jan 21 2014 - 01:00

A 65-year-old Wicklow farmer with dementia and Parkinson’s disease has been deemed unfit to stand trial for the murder of his older brother in 2010.

Cecil Tomkins is charged with murdering Walter Tomkins (66) at their home in Cronlea, Shillelagh on July 1st of that year.

Defence counsel John O’Kelly SC told the Central Criminal Court: “He’s unfit to stand trial.” Dominic McGinn SC, prosecuting, said he did not disagree with the defence on the issue.

Mr Justice Paul Carney said that the evidence had overwhelmingly proved that the accused came within the applicable section of the Criminal Law Insanity Act.

READ MORE

He directed that the proceedings be adjourned.