Courts / Louth / Report

"Ample scope for doubt", defence counsel tells jury in trial of woman accused of murdering her partner

Date
2015-07-14

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Louth

County
Louth

Summary

In the trial of 42‑year‑old Paula Farrell, charged with murdering her partner Wayne McQuillan, defence counsel Derek Kenneally SC urged the jury to consider the "ample scope for doubt" in the case. He highlighted Farrell's testimony that she was sexually abused from age seven and began drinking at fourteen to cope, and argued that these facts should be weighed against the prosecution's claim that the murder was an "outburst of temper." The prosecution, represented by Gerard Clarke SC, maintained that Farrell's alleged abuse was unrelated to the killing, that she had no history of self‑defence, and that any claim of diminished responsibility was unfounded. Kenneally urged jurors to acquit if they found any gaps, stressing that Farrell denied any intent to kill and that the prosecution's narrative was unsubstantiated. The judge outlined the possible verdicts, including guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter on the basis of self‑defence, diminished responsibility or no intent to kill. Paula Farrell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Ample scope for doubt", defence counsel tells jury in trial of woman accused of murdering her partner. Charges or matters: murdering Wayne McQuillan (30) at her home on January 1, 2014; murdering Mr McQuillan. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 1, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-07-14 Publication

Why: " "It occurred because Paula Farrell's is an individual with a temper, who gives into acts of violence, who is capable of controlling her temper outside of her family and friends but who chooses not to control it when she is with her family and friends, that, the prosecution say, is the reality of this case," said Mr Clarke. Prosecution account reported by CNI