A MAN pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of assault and producing an improvised bladed weapon during an alleged attack at an addiction treatment centre in County Limerick.
A jury was sworn in before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to hear the trial of Sean Beumer (29), with addresses at Finglas, Dublin 11, and Edenmore Crescent, Rainey, Dublin 5.
Mr Beumer did not speak in court aside from entering a not guilty by insanity plea to a charge of assault causing harm to another man, and, producing an improvised bladed weapon during the course of the alleged assault.
The offences are alleged to have occurred at Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment centre, Bruree, County Limerick, on December 13, 2019.
The jury of seven men and five women were told Mr Beumer’s trial would last throughout this week.
Lily Buckley, prosecuting barrister, told the jury they would hear witness testimony from a number of consultant psychiatrists and staff attached to Cuan Mhuire.
Mr Beumer is being represented in court by senior defence counsel Lorcan Connolly and barrister Johanna O’Connor, who are instructed by solicitor Michael McNeive.
Judge Colin Daly told the jury that the trial would get underway in earnest on Tuesday.
The judge sent the jury away and directed them to return to Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to begin hearing evidence tomorrow.
