Court archive
Court reports mentioning Monamolin, Wexford
2014-06-30 · Wexford
Caroline Roche, 52, of Ballyedmond Monamolin, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of her partner Walter Plunkett, 84, on 20 June. A report read to the court on 30 June detailed her treatment at the Central Medical Hospital in Dundrum. Dr Paul O'Connell, a forensic psychiatrist, noted that trial‑related stress had caused short‑term destabilisation but that her mental state had improved and she remains psychotic. Mr Justice Barry White ordered her commitment to the hospital.
2014-06-20 · Wexford
In a Wexford murder case, Caroline Roche, aged 52, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for killing her partner Walter Plunkett in 2012. The trial, lasting three days, highlighted Roche's 30‑year history of schizoaffective disorder, repeated hospitalisations and medication non‑compliance. Her defence argued that her illness removed her capacity to form intent, citing Dr Wright's expert testimony that she did not understand the nature or wrongness of her act. The judge, Mr Justice Barry White, reinforced this view, stating that Roche's mental illness meant she could not refrain from the act. The jury, composed of six men and six women, delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after 24 minutes, and the judge exempted them from further service for five years.
2014-06-19 · Wexford
In a 2014 murder trial, an 84‑year‑old man died of asphyxia after an attack at his Wexford home in 2012. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy testified that the victim's death was caused by hypoxia from chest trauma, with fractured ribs and dislocated finger joints. She described injuries to the right eye, mouth, and back of the scalp consistent with punches and a struggle. The accused, Caroline Roche, 52, pleaded not guilty on grounds of insanity. Dr Brenda Wright, a forensic psychiatrist, explained Roche's history of psychiatric admissions, delusions involving the devil, and a belief that the victim had threatened her. Roche had stopped medication a week before the incident and claimed she felt "strong" during the assault, stating she had broken the victim's fingers after death. The trial was set to continue before Mr Justice White and a jury of twelve.