Courts / Louth / Report
Psychiatrist not satisfied that murder accused experienced "dissociative reaction"
Summary
In the Louth woman's trial at the Central Criminal Court, Dr Sally Linehan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, testified for the prosecution. She reported that she had produced two reports on Paula Farrell, the 46‑year‑old accused of murdering her boyfriend Wayne McQuillan. In the 2015 report, Dr Linehan noted that Farrell had not experienced flashbacks or hearing voices at the time of the alleged offence, but she did meet the criteria for post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the 2019 report, Farrell admitted to intrusive dreams about childhood sexual abuse but did not recall memories of abuse at the time of the 2014 killing. Dr Linehan was not satisfied that Farrell had a dissociative reaction during the incident. She agreed with the defence psychiatrist that Farrell suffered from PTSD, alcohol dependence, hypersensitivity, hyper‑vigilance and emotional instability, and that she had a passive death wish but no plan to harm herself. The jury will hear closing speeches tomorrow. Paula Farrell pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Psychiatrist not satisfied that murder accused experienced "dissociative reaction". 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:
- June 2015 Incident
- July 2019 Incident
- New Year's morning Other
- 2019-07-24 Publication
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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