Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury must decide whether attempted murder case "becomes penal or medical matter"

Date
2018-10-19

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard closing arguments in the trial of 35‑year‑old Laura Kenna, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of civil servant Fionnuala Bourke. Kenna allegedly attacked Bourke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017, slitting her throat and causing severe facial scarring. The prosecution, led by Anthony Sammon SC, argued that Kenna's mental state was a key issue and that she had a knowing mind when she acted, citing her own statements about using a knife to rob someone. The defence, represented by Barry White SC, urged the jury to consider whether Kenna was legally insane, relying on conflicting psychiatric opinions. Judge Robert Eagar outlined possible verdicts, noting that a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity would be appropriate if the jury found Kenna suffered from a mental disorder on the balance of probabilities.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury must decide whether attempted murder case "becomes penal or medical matter". Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

January 3, 2017 Incident
2018-10-19 Publication

Why: " She said afterwards that she had gotten a sharp knife to rob somebody and had selected Ms Bourke because 'she was only little'. CNI source report