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'It's a tragedy. No one was trying to kill me, I was ill,' Christina Anderson told psychologist

Date
2022-12-12
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Christina Anderson, 41, of Brownsbarn Wood, Kingswood, Dublin 24, was charged with the murder of Gareth Kelly, 39, who died from stab wounds on the morning of 25 February 2020. In the Central Criminal Court, Anderson told a psychologist that she stabbed the man outside her home after seeing him and believing he was there to kill her. She said she had stabbed him once, then returned to the house and stabbed him three more times to ensure he was dead. Anderson admitted she was "really ill" the week before the offence, hearing voices and feeling paranoid that someone would stab her. She claimed she had been delusional at the time and later realised this. Anderson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial heard evidence of her mental state, cannabis use, and family concerns, but the prosecution's case was that she killed Kelly and the issue was her state of mind at the time.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'It's a tragedy. No one was trying to kill me, I was ill,' Christina Anderson told psychologist. Charges or matters: murdering Gareth Kelly (39), who died from stab wounds following an incident at the estate on the morning of February 25, 2020. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: Ms Mitchell said she texted her daughter on February 21 2020 to invite her for dinner the following day because her husband Mark was away in Toronto but Anderson replied: "Thanks but I'd rather not leave the house unguarded for too long. CNI source report

Case subjects

Christina Anderson

Accused

Charges: murdering Gareth Kelly (39), who died from stab wounds following an incident at the estate on the morning of February 25, 2020 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Facility
  • Central Mental Hospital
Residence

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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