Courts / Louth / Report

Murder accused tells jury she was abused as a child

Summary

Ms 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. She told the Central Criminal Court jury that she began drinking heavily in her teens to "block out" problems, later describing a history of sexual abuse by a named man from age seven to fourteen. She said the abuse began at thirteen and continued daily, and that she confronted the abuser at age 28 or 29, after which she stopped counselling. Farrell also admitted using alcohol, cocaine, speed and a white powder called "wildcat." She met McQuillan on the night of her 40th birthday in 2013; he was ten years younger.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused tells jury she was abused as a child. 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
• 2020-03-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report