Courts / Louth / Report

Murder accused said boyfriend had attacked her

Summary

In a Drogheda trial, 46‑year‑old Paula Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter after stabbing 30‑year‑old Wayne McQuillan four times on 1 January 2014. She claimed he had attacked her, citing injuries including a bite mark on her cheek, bruises, and a large bruise on her neck, all described as fresh by Dr Marlien Mienie. Farrell said she had schizophrenia and depression, last taking medication on 30 December. Witnesses reported McQuillan's trousers were down at his ankles after the stabbing, and that Farrell told Gardaí she was attacked and did not mean to kill him. The case is heard before Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said boyfriend had attacked her. Charges or matters: murdering Wayne McQuillan, but guilty to his manslaughter by stabbing him four times at that address on January 1, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 1, 2014 Other
• 30th December Hearing Or Sentence
• New Year's morning Incident
• New Year's Other
• 2019-07-10 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report