Courts / Dublin / Report

"I sliced her like a goat": woman guilty of attempted murder despite insanity plea

Date
2019-03-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 37‑year‑old woman, Laura Kenna, was found guilty of attempting to murder civil servant Fionnuala Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna, who had no fixed abode, attacked Burke while she was walking home from work, slashing her neck with a knife. The wound penetrated muscle and the thyroid gland, requiring surgery and intensive care. Kenna pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both the attempted murder and assault causing serious harm charges. During the trial, two psychiatrists presented conflicting views: the defence psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Monks, testified that Kenna suffered from schizoaffective disorder and was delusional, while the State psychiatrist, Professor Harry Kennedy, argued she was not delusional and acted out of anger. After 2 hours and 23 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on both counts. The case was sent to sentencing, with a victim impact statement to be considered on 25 March.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "I sliced her like a goat": woman guilty of attempted murder despite insanity plea. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Ms Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road in the city on January 3, 2017, and of assault causing serious harm to her on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 3, 2017 Incident
2019-03-05 Publication

Why: He explained that the Oireachtas had decided that 12-citizen juries would have to answer the question of insanity. CNI source report

Case subjects

Laura Kenna

Convicted Person

Charges: attempting to murder Ms Burke on Lower Drumcondra Road in the city on January 3, 2017, and of assault causing serious harm to her on the same occasion (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: She adjourned sentencing until Monday 25th of March for preparation of a victim impact statement.