A murder trial jury will retire tomorrow to consider its verdict in the case of a Somalian man accused of murdering his 20-month-old son.
Yusif Ali Abdi (30) with an address at The Elms, College Road, Clane, Co Kildare has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Nathan Bakara Andrew Ali at the same address on 17th April 2001.
In his closing submissions, Mr Michael Durack SC told the jury the question they must try is one of intent: did the accused intend to kill or cause serious injury to his son. If so, they must return a verdict of guilty of murder, he said.
Closing for the defence, Mr Tom O'Connell SC urged the jury to consider the opinion of psychiatrist Dr Brian McCaffery who said the accused was suffering from schizophrenia.
The accused has admitted killing Nathan but said he felt possessed when he did so. He said he also heard voices telling him hit the child.
It is open to the jury to consider two verdicts; guilty of murder or guilty but insane.