Man previously charged with attempted murder pleads guilty to lesser offence

Fiona Magennis

A 23-year-old man who had been due to stand trial accused of attempting to murder a fellow patient at a psychiatric facility has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge at the Central Criminal Court.

James Greengrass (25), of Chapel Place, Lismore, Co Waterford, had been charged with attempted murder on February 3rd 2023 at the psychiatry department of University Hospital Waterford.

When originally arraigned before the court on Tuesday, Greengrass entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and a jury had been empanelled to hear the case.

The jurors were told that the case would “involve issues of mental health”.

However, the defendant's legal team informed Ms Justice Karen O’Connor on Friday that, following discussions between counsel over a number of days, progress had been made.

Greengrass was subsequently re-arraigned before the court and pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cause serious harm.

Michael Delaney SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the plea was acceptable to the State on a full facts basis.

He said a nolle prosequi [a decision not to proceed] would be entered in due course in respect of the attempted murder charge.

Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC said his client, who is originally from the UK, has no previous convictions.

He told the court that Greengrass has “very significant psychiatric difficulties” and sought an extension of legal aid to cover a psychiatric report. Counsel also requested that probation and education reports be prepared.

Ms Justice Karen O’Connor directed that a victim impact statement, along with probation and education reports, be prepared.

She also granted the extension of legal aid to cover a psychiatric report.

Addressing the jury panel previously sworn to hear the trial, the judge explained that, in light of a guilty plea to the lesser charge being acceptable to the DPP, their services were no longer required.

Ms Justice O’Connor adjourned the case to March 25th for sentencing.