THE inquiry into the continued detention at the Central Mental Hospital of John Gallagher, the man found guilty but insane of two Co Sligo murders, was fixed for June 20th in the High Court yesterday.
Gallagher (29), of Lifford, Co Donegal, is seeking an inquiry into his continuing detention on the grounds that it is unlawful. He was found guilty but insane of the murders of his former girlfriend and her mother in April 1988.
Last month, Mr Justice Kelly granted Gallagher leave to seek the inquiry. He was told that Dr Charles Smith, director of the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, had advised he could not justify the continued detention of Gallagher on the grounds of his "imminent dangerousness" because he did not think it existed or on the grounds of illness because he was not ill.
The Minister for Justice will have to give reasons for Gallagher's continuing detention at the inquiry.