Courts / Dublin / Report
Christina Anderson believed she was 'morally justified' and was unable to refrain from killing dad of two
Summary
Christina Anderson, aged 41, was charged with murdering Gareth Kelly, 39, who was stabbed five times on 25 February 2020 while attempting to start his car outside her home. In the Central Criminal Court, Dr Brenda Wright, a consultant psychiatrist, testified that Anderson was suffering a relapse of bipolar affective disorder and believed she was morally justified in killing Kelly to protect her family. She was unable to refrain from the act because she perceived an immediate danger, a delusional belief that her family was in imminent peril. Dr Wright found Anderson's capacity to form intent impaired by her mental disorder, not by cannabis or alcohol use. Anderson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial was ongoing before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor with a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Christina Anderson believed she was 'morally justified' and was unable to refrain from killing dad of two. Charges or matters: murdering Gareth Kelly (39), who was stabbed five times as he tried to start his car outside Ms Anderson's home on the morning of February 25, 2020. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 25, 2020 Incident
- December 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-12-15 Publication
Why: Christina Anderson stabbed a man she did not know to death because she was suffering a relapse of bipolar affective disorder and falsely believed that the victim was a danger to her and her family, a psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Gareth Kelly (39), who was stabbed five times as he tried to start his car outside Ms Anderson's home on the morning of February 25, 2020 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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