Graham Veitch has been found not criminally responsible for the 2016 beating death of 55-year-old David Collins in Logy Bay.
Justice Sandra Chaytor says she is satisfied the Crown has met the burden of proof, and finds Veitch Not Criminally Responsible.
“I accept this was a delusion of an ill mind.” @VOCMNEWS
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
The delusions that Graham Veitch was experiencing in December 2016 led him to believe David Collins was a threat to him and his mother. He killed Collins after eating supper with him, by repeatedly beating him over the head with a hammer.
Justice Sandra Chaytor accepted the evidence of the Defence and the Crown, that these were the delusions of an ill mind, and that because of his mental disorder, “Veitch lacked the capacity to know that what he did was wrong.”
Those close to Veitch and knew him well testified there was a change in the young man at the time, expressing odd emotions, talking to himself, repeating himself and so on. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/QwmaMjhhIz
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
Perhaps the most disturbing of the details heard during trial, are the behaviours demonstrated by Veitch while in custody following his arrest.
He drank toilet water, and ate feces. He ate paint chips from the walls, and avoided eye contact; symptoms of psychosis. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/sjf4tqNMZH
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
The Defence says this was the right verdict, and thanked the Crown outside court for their collaboration on the case. Lawyer Mark Gruchy says it’s been tough for Veitch, who has not had contact with his mother, but says he’s very hopeful his client will be rehabilitated.
Veitch has been immediately placed under the care and supervision of the Waterford Hospital.
“I conclude that because of a mental disorder… Veitch lacked the capacity to know that what he did was wrong.” -Justice Chaytor
Judge says Veitch suffered psychosis before, during, and long after the killing. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/pYFcM9yFWD
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
“There are no words. I am deeply and sincerely sorry” says Veitch’s Mother
Graham Veitch’s mother Joan made a statement to David Collins’ family through lawyer Lynn Moore after the verdict was read.
Family members in the gallery comfort each other. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/ifcC5qLJfh
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
She addressed the statement to Dave’s daughter Julia and his family and friends.
She says no words could ever express how she feels, but says she is “deeply and sincerely sorry for all the anguish you have endured because of Graham’s illness and my failure to recognize the extent of his illness before it was too late.”
“No words could ever express how I feel, but I will try by saying I am deeply and sincerely sorry for all the anguish you have endured, because of Graham’s illness, and my failure to recognize the extend of his illness before it was too late.” -Joan Veitch @VOCMNEWS
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
In her statement, Veitch says she knows how saddened and forever changed the Collins family must feel. She says her life has been changed forever, too, saying she and David had planned to grow old in happiness together. @VOCMNEWS
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
Veitch says she must learn to move forward, and will now have the opportunity to talk to her son. She has not had contact with Graham since December 2016. @VOCMNEWS
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 4, 2019
