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Attempted murder accused had stabbed Luas passenger two weeks earlier
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 35‑year‑old Laura Kenna, who has no fixed abode, faced charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause serious harm after stabbing civil servant Fionnuala Bourke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecutor Anthony Sammon SC presented evidence that Bourke's throat was slit and she suffered severe facial scarring, and that Kenna admitted guilt to Gardaí the following day. Defence psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks testified that Kenna, diagnosed with schizophrenic affective disorder, did not understand her actions and was influenced by hallucinations and delusions. Professor Harry Kennedy countered, arguing Kenna knew her actions were wrong and had a motive to rob Bourke's handbag. Kenna had previously stabbed a woman at a Luas stop two weeks earlier, an incident that had led to a prior verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Attempted murder accused had stabbed Luas passenger two weeks earlier. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Fionnuala Bourke on Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9 on January 3, 2017. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- January 3, 2017 Incident
- January 2017 Other
- 2018-10-18 Publication
Why: He referred to Ms Kenna's comments that she had let another woman "go" and selected Ms Bourke because "she was only little". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the attempted murder of Fionnuala Bourke on Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9 on January 3, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Places mentioned
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