Courts / Louth / Report

Expert tells murder trial that accused's mental disorder diminished her responsibility

Date
2015-07-10

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Louth

County
Louth

Summary

In a 2015 murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, 42‑year‑old Paula Farrell of Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, was charged with stabbing her partner Wayne McQuillan, 30, to death on 1 January 2014. She pleaded not guilty. The defence presented forensic psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright, who had met Farrell twice in June 2015. Dr Wright testified that Farrell had suffered sexual abuse from age seven, did not disclose it until fourteen, and began drinking at fourteen to cope. She described Farrell as displaying post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including distress and avoidance when exposed to reminders of abuse. Dr Wright concluded that Farrell's PTSD impaired her self‑control and substantially diminished her responsibility for the stabbing, though she was fit to stand trial. The prosecution cross‑examined her on the lack of post‑mortem statements and the link between PTSD and violence. The trial proceeded under Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Expert tells murder trial that accused's mental disorder diminished her responsibility. Charges or matters: murdering Wayne McQuillan (30) at her home on January 1, 2014; murdering Mr McQuillan. Procedural stage: trial

When: