Courts / Louth / Report
Murder accused lying about being raped by boyfriend, prosecution say
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Paula Farrell, 46, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for killing her 30‑year‑old boyfriend, Wayne McQuillan, on New Year's morning 2014. The prosecution argued that Farrell had fabricated a rape claim to justify the killing, citing her statements to Gardaí 15 months after the death and her description of the relationship as "brilliant." They highlighted forensic psychiatric evidence of post‑traumatic stress disorder from childhood abuse and noted that Farrell had been intoxicated with about six litres of cider that night. The defence countered that Farrell's PTSD and childhood sexual abuse shaped her state of mind, and that the alleged rape was a false narrative. The jury was instructed to consider whether provocation could reduce the charge to manslaughter, while the prosecution maintained that the evidence supported a murder verdict.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused lying about being raped by boyfriend, prosecution say. 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
- 2019-07-25 Publication
Why: Because there's no clothing. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
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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