A man has been found not guilty of murdering a psychiatric patient in Waterford by reason of insanity.

Paul Cuddihy stabbed Maria O’Brien over 100 times at a group home they shared at St Otteran’s hospital in September 2014.

The 38-year-old suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and his trial heard he was having a psychotic episode at the time.

When asked why he killed Maria O’Brien, Paul Cuddihy told a forensic psychiatrist that he was “crazed” out of his head and thought something bad would happen to him or his family if he didn’t kill her.

The jury returned with the special verdict after deliberating for just 39 minutes.

Mr Cuddihy has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital for further assessment. A decision on the best course of treatment for him will be made later this month.

Speaking outside court afterwards, her son Patrick Halley described his mother as a warm and caring person who will never be forgotten.

“She was a very kind-hearted person who would never harm a fly. She was a very vulnerable person who will always be in our memories,” he said.

“She was the most caring person you could ever meet. Anything she could do for anybody, she would.”

Maria’s brother Joe said the events were “harrowing…and very difficult for both families. There are no winners in this situation.”