Courts / Dublin / Report

Former journalist not guilty of murdering flat mate by reason of insanity

Date
2019-05-08

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Rathfarnham

County
Dublin

Summary

A 46‑year‑old former journalist from Sierra Leone, Mercy Peters, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate Tyrone McKenna on 17 July 2014 in Marlay Court, Rathfarnham. Peters claimed voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna. Both had a history of mental health problems and had met in a psychiatric ward in 2010. McKenna was discovered dead on the stairs by his father, Tom McKenna, who called an ambulance. A post‑mortem found a stab wound to the trunk that collapsed his left lung and injured his left kidney, with a contributory left forearm wound. In court, Peters behaved erratically, spoke of spirits and claimed self‑defence. Two psychiatrists testified that she was suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and did not understand the wrongfulness of her act. The prosecution argued she had killed McKenna, while the defence highlighted her mental illness and medication lapse.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former journalist not guilty of murdering flat mate by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

July 17, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
21st May Adjournment
2019-05-08 Publication

Why: Mr Burns explained that he was there on behalf of the prosecution, but not to get a conviction at any cost. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Unnamed 46-year-old

Accused

Plea: Guilty

Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity

Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; He adjourned the case to 21st May for an examination of her there and preparation of a report for court.