Dad's shock at killer mum's freedom plea

Andrew's new agony as he reveals 'it would be so hard if we met again'

- PAUL HEALY

A MOTHER who killed her three children in their home has applied for release from the Central Mental Hospital after just three years. 

The Irish Mirror has learned that Deirdre Morley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity of the murders of her children Conor, 9, Darragh, 7, and three-year-old Carla has formally applied to be released under a community release scheme.

And in an exclusive interview, the children’s heartbroken father Andrew has said he was “shocked” when he learned the news.

He said: “When I heard about it I was surprised. I would go so far as to say I was shocked.”

Ms Morley has been in custody at the Central Mental Hospital ever since the three children were found dead in their home in Newcastle, Dublin on January 24, 2020.

During her trial, two psychiatrists testified that Ms Morley was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the three killings and fulfilled the criteria for the special verdict.

It is understood her application will now need to be considered by medical professionals at the facility – and that Andrew was formally notified of that also.