Courts / Dublin / Report
Journalist deemed unfit to stand trial for murder is committed to Central Mental Hospital
Summary
A 44‑year‑old former journalist, Mercy Peters, originally from Sierra Leone, was found unfit to stand trial for the 2014 murder of Tyrone McKenna, 42, in his South Dublin home. The Central Criminal Court, after hearing two consultant psychiatrists, determined that Peters suffers from Schizoaffective disorder. She had not taken her prescribed medication for several months before the incident and her illness involves entrenched persecutory and delusional themes. Dr Ronan Mullaney, her treating psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH), confirmed that Peters maintains she is not responsible for McKenna's death and believes she is the victim of an elaborate plot. He noted she has only partial insight into her illness and continues to dispute her diagnosis. Judge Tony Hunt ordered Peters to be committed to the CMH for inpatient care, with proceedings adjourned until October 2. The remand is indefinite.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Journalist deemed unfit to stand trial for murder is committed to Central Mental Hospital. Charges or matters: murdering Tyrone McKenna (42) on July 17, 2014 at the house they had shared in Marley Court, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- July 17, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 18, 2017 Other
- October 2 Adjournment
- 2017-07-21 Publication
Why: Schizoaffective disorder is a mental disorder and because of this, Ms Peters would be unable to instruct a legal representative and conduct a proper defence, he said. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Tyrone McKenna (42) on July 17, 2014 at the house they had shared in Marley Court, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: The judge adjourned proceedings until October 2.
Places mentioned
- Central Mental Hospital
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
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