Courts / Louth / Report
Murder accused doesn't have IQ to make up rape story, psychologist tells trial
Summary
In a 2019 trial at the Central Criminal Court, 46‑year‑old Paula Farrell of Drogheda 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 and claimed he had tried to rape her, an allegation she said stemmed from childhood sexual abuse. A forensic psychiatrist testified that Farrell suffered from post‑traumatic stress disorder due to that abuse. Dr Kevin Lamb, a clinical psychologist, testified that Farrell's IQ was around 70, placing her in the lowest two percent of the population, and argued that this limited her ability to plan the killing. He also noted that Farrell's mental state, intoxication, childhood abuse and alleged sexual assault together contributed to the incident. The prosecution highlighted McQuillan's injuries and suggested he had fought back, while the defence maintained Farrell's narrative. The court heard these conflicting accounts during the trial's ninth day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused doesn't have IQ to make up rape story, psychologist tells trial. 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
- 2019-07-23 Publication
Why: " He explained that a report on her mental state at the time had to include reference to cognitive sophistication. 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
- Central Criminal Court
- Rathmullen Park
- saw her in the garda station
- the deceased in the garda station
Topics
Related court reports
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- Dangerous driver gave gardai the 'middle finger' and hit speeds of 170km/h on M1
- On-bail home invader who dragged car owner along ground has sentence cut
- Judge rejects Gill's arguments against extradition for Robbie Lawlor murder
- 'My 46 years working…what was it all for?' veteran office staff say they were excluded after merger with 'younger' firm
- Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request