A man who used a belt and pillow to suffocate a fellow patient in a psychiatric unit has been jailed for eight years.

Ian Harman, originally from England but with an address at Carrigallen Mountain Lodge, Cootehill, killed Michael Traynor (82) at Cavan General Hospital in June 2011.

Harman was charged with murdering MrTraynor - but on day eight of his trial he pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The court heard Harman (50) had a mental disorder at the time of the killing, which happened just days after he attempted suicide and was admitted to the psychiatric unit of Cavan General Hospital.

In the early hours of June 27th, he smothered fellow patient Michael Traynor in his bed using a belt and a pillow, and immediately told the nursing staff what he had done.

The court heard there was no friction between the two men - the only apparent motive is that Harman had been fantasising about killing someone as a way of getting into prison.

Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan has imposed a 10 year sentence with two years suspended.