Courts / Louth / Report

Woman who stabbed partner told onlookers not to call ambulance, murder trial hears

Date
2020-03-05
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Drogheda
County
Louth

Summary

Paula Farrell, 47, of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. The prosecution, represented by Gerard Clarke SC, described a drunken argument that led Farrell to stab McQuillan four times with a kitchen knife. Three wounds were not fatal; one struck at a 45‑degree angle through the left shoulder, cutting a vein and the left lung, causing massive internal and external bleeding. McQuillan was found bleeding to death in Farrell's home, and she allegedly told onlookers not to call an ambulance, saying he was fine. Gardaí found the knife in the sink and noted attempts to wipe up blood. McQuillan was taken to hospital, suffered cardiac arrest en route, was resuscitated, then died after a second arrest during a CT scan.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman who stabbed partner told onlookers not to call ambulance, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan (30) at Ms Farrell's home on New Year's Day 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: Mr Clarke said that a "peculiar feature" of the case is that "for reasons we don't know because Mr McQuillan is dead", the deceased took off his blood stained shirt and the belt of his trousers. CNI source report

Case subjects

Paula Farrell

Defendant

Charges: murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan (30) at Ms Farrell's home on New Year's Day 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
  • Rathmullen Park
  • Marian Park
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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