Courts / Dublin / Report
Mentally ill woman tried to force children off trams
Summary
In November 2015, Theresa Chennaux, a 49‑year‑old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia, attempted to remove a five‑year‑old child from a Luas tram and later tried to restrain a 12‑year‑old girl and assault her 14‑year‑old sister at two separate stops. She claimed she was protecting the children from a paedophile and accused Gardaí of being vampires. Chennaux had not been taking her medication and had been moved between psychiatric facilities without meeting criteria for involuntary admission. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury of twelve returned a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity on all charges in under twenty minutes. Judge Melanie Greally committed her to the Central Mental Hospital for assessment, with a report due on 13 November. The incidents were captured on CCTV and witnessed by passengers who described her as dishevelled and speaking of witches and the devil.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mentally ill woman tried to force children off trams. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- November 20, 2015 Incident
- November 13th Incident
- 2017-10-05 Publication
Why: A mentally ill woman who tried to force children off trams because she believed they were in danger has been found not guilty of attempted abduction by reason of insanity. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; Ms Chennaux was remanded in custody and later transferred to the CMH following assessment.
Places mentioned
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