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'Floridly' ill murder accused believed she was possessed by Princess Diana, trial hears

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Grace Miano, aged 53, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of Malawian man Limbani 'Robert' Mzoma, aged 27, at Tudor Lawns, Foxrock, Co Dublin, on 1 November 2018. Miano, also known as Margaret Sloane, claimed she was inhabited by the spirit of Princess Diana and that Diana guided her to kill Mzoma to protect Prince William and other members of the royal family. She alleged that Mzoma had raped and beaten her since 1989 and that she had been threatened by a plot involving Kate Middleton. Psychiatrists Dr Paul O'Connell and Dr Brenda Wright diagnosed Miano with schizoaffective disorder, describing her as intensely psychotic with hallucinations and persecutory beliefs. Both doctors agreed that a not‑guilty verdict by reason of insanity was appropriate, and the prosecution accepted this conclusion. The case remains at the trial stage, with the jury to be instructed by Justice Paul McDermott.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Floridly' ill murder accused believed she was possessed by Princess Diana, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Malawian man Limbani 'Robert' Mzoma (27) at Tudor Lawns in Foxrock, Co Dublin, on November 1, 2018. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• November 1, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-09-29 Publication

Why: There was very little adversarial contact between parties because it is the capacity of her state of mind that is key. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report