Courts / Louth / Report

Woman accused of murdering partner was suffering with PTSD, trial hears

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, a 47‑year‑old woman, Paula Farrell, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the 2014 killing of Wayne McQuillan, aged 30. A psychiatrist for the defence, Dr Brenda Wright, testified that Farrell had post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an alcohol‑dependency disorder at the time of the stabbing. She described Farrell's history of sexual abuse between ages seven and fourteen and noted that Farrell began heavy drinking at 20. Dr Wright said Farrell's PTSD was severe and manifested mainly through alcohol use, affecting her relationships. The defence argued the PTSD did not play a significant role in the killing, a view echoed by the prosecution's counsel. The jury heard that Farrell stabbed McQuillan four times, recalling two, and that forensic evidence confirmed four wounds. The trial proceeded under Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of seven men and four women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman accused of murdering partner was suffering with PTSD, 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:

• New Year's Day 2014 Other
• 2020-03-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• Legal first sees miscarriage of justice certificate for IRA membership conviction quashed
• Garda murderer Brady's 'contempt' for trial with secret recording lands him with increased sentence
• Lorry driver who imported €1m in cannabis jailed for five years
• Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque
• Aaron Connolly gets date for retrial on Cameron Reilly murder

Read the original CNI report