Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury to resume deliberations in trial of woman accused of trying to murder civil servant

Summary

In the trial of Laura Kenna, a 35‑year‑old woman of no fixed abode, a jury will resume deliberations tomorrow morning. Kenna has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of civil servant Fionnuala Bourke, who was walking home from work on Lower Drumcondra Road in Dublin on 3 January 2017. The prosecution alleges that Kenna attacked Bourke with a knife, slitting her throat and causing severe facial scarring. The central issue is Kenna's state of mind at the time. Two Central Mental Hospital consultant psychiatrists gave conflicting opinions. Prosecutor Anthony Sammon SC emphasized that the prosecution must prove that Kenna acted with a knowing mind, citing statements she made after the attack.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury to resume deliberations in trial of woman accused of trying to murder civil servant. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• January 3, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-10-22 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

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report