A court has heard a Cavan man (50) used a pillow to smother another patient in a psychiatric unit.

Ian Harman of Carrigallen Mountain Lodge, Cootehill, has gone on trial for the murder of Michael Traynor (81) at Cavan General Hospital in June 2011.

Mr. Harman and Mr. Traynor were both patients in a psychiatric unit.

The deceased man from Emyvale suffered from dementia and Ian Harman, who is on trial, was admitted on a voluntary basis in June 2011 following a suicide attempt.

Mr Harman was given a sleeping tablet at around 2am on the morning of June 27th because he was having a restless night - but the jury has heard this did not stop him getting up twice for a cigarette.

In its opening address, the prosecution said there will be evidence he approached the nurse's station at around 6:30am and told the nurse on duty he was after doing a bad thing. He said he had murdered Mick Traynor by smothering him with a pillow.

Ian Harman admits causing the death but the jury will have to decide his mental state at the time and whether he can be held fully responsible for his actions.