Courts / Louth / Report

Jury must decide if woman accused of murdering partner was provoked

Summary

In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the jury must decide whether 47‑year‑old Paula Farrell was provoked when she stabbed her partner, Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, to death on New Year's Day 2014. Mr Justice Paul McDermott explained that provocation is a partial defence that can reduce a murder charge to manslaughter if the accused lost self‑control in a sudden, temporary way. He said the alleged sexual assault by McQuillan on a sofa in Farrell's home could be the provoking act, but the jury must assess whether the evidence of that assault is credible. Farrell, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitted stabbing McQuillan four times, remembering only two. The judge also noted her high alcohol level that night and her statements to Gardaí that she intended to hurt, not kill, him. The jury will consider all these facts before delivering a verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury must decide if woman accused of murdering partner was provoked. 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
• 2020-03-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report