Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman who slit civil servant's throat as she walked home appeals attempted murder conviction

Summary

In July 2020, a 37‑year‑old woman named Laura Kenna, who had no fixed abode and was later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, was convicted of attempted murder after she slit the throat of civil servant Fionnuala Bourke on Lower Drumcondra Road on 3 January 2017. Kenna, who had been suffering from a significant mental health condition for up to six years, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial revealed that Kenna attacked Bourke while she was walking home from work, stabbing her multiple times and threatening her with a handbag. Bourke required surgery and intensive care. Justice Tara Burns described the attack as vicious and random. The judge imposed a 15‑year prison term, suspending the last five years. Kenna's barrister appealed both the conviction and sentence to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the psychiatric evidence was flawed and that the sentence was excessive. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman who slit civil servant's throat as she walked home appeals attempted murder conviction. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• 3 January 2017 Incident
• 2020-07-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report