Courts / Louth / Report
Woman had PTSD at time she killed boyfriend, jury hear
Summary
In the Louth murder trial, 46‑year‑old Paula Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for killing 30‑year‑old Wayne McQuillan on New Year's Day 2014. She admitted stabbing him four times after he allegedly tried to have sex with her and began strangling her. Farrell testified that she had been abused as a child between ages seven and fourteen, and that she had reported the abuse to an adult who ensured her safety. She also disclosed that she had told a Rape Crisis Centre counsellor in 2016 that she felt "helpless like a child" when McQuillan tried to rape her. A forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Brenda Wright, testified that Farrell had long‑standing alcohol dependence, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hypersensitivity, hyper‑vigilance and emotional instability, and that her childhood abuse had significantly increased her risk of these mental health difficulties. The trial continues with the prosecution cross‑examining the witness.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman had PTSD at time she killed boyfriend, jury hear. Charges or matters: murdering 30-year-old Wayne McQuillan, but guilty to his manslaughter at that address on New Year's morning in 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- New Year's morning Other
- 2019-07-19 Publication
Why: Ms Farrell also explained that she had been abused as a child between the ages of seven and 14. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering 30-year-old Wayne McQuillan, but guilty to his manslaughter at that address on New Year's morning in 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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