Courts / Louth / Report
Jury fails to reach verdict in murder trial of woman who claims boyfriend raped her
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court case, 46‑year‑old Paula Farrell of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, was tried for the murder of her 30‑year‑old boyfriend, Wayne McQuillan, who was killed on 1 January 2014. Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitting she stabbed McQuillan four times. She claimed the deceased had tried to rape and strangle her, and that her childhood sexual abuse influenced her actions. The prosecution argued she fabricated the rape claim, while the defence denied this. A forensic psychiatrist diagnosed Farrell with post‑traumatic stress disorder from child abuse. The trial noted delays in ambulance response and that McQuillan was transported in a Garda car. After more than four hours of deliberation, the jury could not reach a verdict, and the judge remanded Farrell in custody until 21 October for further court dates.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury fails to reach verdict in murder trial of woman who claims boyfriend raped her. Charges or matters: murdering Wayne McQuillan, but guilty to his manslaughter at that address on 1st January 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 1st January 2014 Other
- 21st October Adjournment
- New Year's morning Incident
- 2019-07-29 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Wayne McQuillan, but guilty to his manslaughter at that address on 1st January 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She then remanded the accused in custody until 21st October, when her case will appear in the court's next list to fix trial dates.
Places mentioned
Topics
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