Courts / Louth / Report

Murder accused told garda: 'I didn't want him to get the better of me'

Date
2020-03-11

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Paula Farrell, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014 at her home in Rathmullen Park, Drogheda. She admitted that she and McQuillan had been drinking since 3:00 pm, that a fight began, and that she was "hysterical" when the Garda arrived. She said she and McQuillan had been "bitching" and that a struggle ensued in the kitchen. She claimed she was "not wanting him to get the better of me" and that she stabbed him twice, once near the top of his chest and a second time lower down, using a medium‑sized black knife from her kitchen. After the stabbing, McQuillan walked out the front door, collapsed, and was taken to hospital in a patrol car after an ambulance was delayed by 20‑30 minutes.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told garda: 'I didn't want him to get the better of me'. 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:

New Year's Day 2014 Other
New Year Other
2020-03-11 Publication

Why: He said he moved away because he wasn't sure what was happening. CNI source report

Case subjects

Paula Farrell

Accused

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