Courts / Dublin / Report
Knife-wielding attacker's state of mind "central to case", jury hear
Summary
In a Dublin court on 26 February 2019, a jury heard that Laura Kenna, 37, who has no fixed address, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder and assault with intent to cause serious harm against Fionnuala Burke on 3 January 2017. Kenna allegedly wielded a knife and severely cut Burke's neck and face in an "out of the blue" attack. The prosecution, led by Anthony Sammon SC, emphasized Kenna's state of mind at 5.30 pm on the day of the incident as a central issue. Two consultant psychiatrists with conflicting views would be heard. Kenna's past conviction for an attempted stabbing at a Luas stop on 19 December 2016, also by reason of insanity, was permitted to be mentioned. The trial proceeded before Justice Tara Burns.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Knife-wielding attacker's state of mind "central to case", jury hear. Charges or matters: "attempting to stab a woman in the eye" at the Luas stop near Store Street. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 3rd, 2017 Incident
- December 2016 Incident
- 2019-02-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: "attempting to stab a woman in the eye" at the Luas stop near Store Street (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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