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Wexford woman not guilty by reason of insanity of murder of her partner
Summary
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.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Wexford woman not guilty by reason of insanity of murder of her partner. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2014-06-20 Publication
Why: Mr Justice Barry White addressed the jury prior to deliberation reminding them that Dr Wright had come to the conclusion that because Miss Roche is mentally ill, she did not know the nature and quality of what she was doing, she did not know it was wrong and that she was unable to refrain from committing the act. CNI source report
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