Courts / Louth / Report

Coronavirus: Murder trial jury are given new seating arrangements

Date
2020-03-16
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Drogheda
County
Louth

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott announced new seating arrangements for the 12 jurors in the Paula Farrell murder trial to maintain social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak. Six jurors now sit on individual cushions in the courtroom, while the remaining six sit in the jury box with a seat between them. The judge said these arrangements would remain for the rest of the trial and that two jury minders would be present. Mr McDermott invited jurors to raise any concerns. Ms Farrell, aged 47, continues to give evidence. She admits stabbing her partner, Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, during a drunken argument on New Year's Day 2014. She pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. She described the events, her lack of intent to kill, and her subsequent actions, including not calling an ambulance.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Coronavirus: Murder trial jury are given new seating arrangements. 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: Ms Farrell said she felt "numb" and "in shock" at the time because of what had happened her. 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
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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