Courts / Dublin / Report
Detention extended for mentally ill woman who tried to force children off trams
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Theresa Chennaux, aged 49 and diagnosed with schizophrenia, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for attempting to remove a five‑year‑old child from a Luas tram and for restraining a 12‑year‑old and assaulting her 14‑year‑old sister on 20 November 2015. The court noted she had not been taking her medication and had been moved in and out of psychiatric facilities without meeting involuntary admission criteria. Consultant forensic psychiatrists for both sides agreed she suffered a severe, enduring mental disorder. Judge Melanie Greally ordered that her detention at the Central Mental Hospital be extended, citing progress but ongoing need for care. The case involved CCTV footage of Chennaux removing the children, shouting about paedophiles, and refusing to answer questions, leading to her remand and transfer to the hospital.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Detention extended for mentally ill woman who tried to force children off trams. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 20, 2015 Incident
- 2017-10-13 Publication
Why: A court has ordered that a mentally-ill woman who tried to force children off trams because she believed they were in danger should have her detention at the Central Mental Hospital extended. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally ordered that her detention at the CMH be continued and told her she hoped her recovery was speedy.; Ms Chennaux was remanded in custody and later transferred to the CMH following assessment.
Places mentioned
Topics
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