Courts / Wexford / Report
Woman cleared of murdering father (94) is remanded to CMH
Summary
In a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, 51‑year‑old Julie Flood was found not guilty of murdering her 94‑year‑old father, Patrick Flood, by reason of insanity. The trial, which lasted 48 minutes of deliberation, focused on Flood's paranoid schizophrenia and psychotic state at the time of the stabbing. She claimed a voice of God told her her father was an imposter, and she had a history of persecutory delusions, including a belief that U2's voices accused her of rape. The jury accepted psychiatric evidence that she met the criteria for a not‑guilty‑by‑reason‑of‑insanity verdict. Judge Paul McDermott remanded Flood to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane, with a new court appearance scheduled for 4 May. The court thanked counsel and nursing staff for their assistance during the proceedings. Julie Flood was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman cleared of murdering father (94) is remanded to CMH. Charges or matters: the murder of her father, Patrick Flood, on April 14, 2019 by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- April 14, 2019 Adjournment
- May 4 Adjournment
- April 14, 2919 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 12 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-04-21 Publication
Why: The trial heard that Ms Flood, who has paranoid schizophrenia, was in the throes of a psychotic state when she stabbed her elderly father to death on his 94th birthday because she believed the voice of God told her he was an imposter. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of her father, Patrick Flood, on April 14, 2019 by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; At the Central Criminal Court today Shane Costelloe SC, for the DPP, said a bed is available at the hospital for Ms Flood and asked that the matter be put back to May 4.
Places mentioned
- Central Mental Hospital
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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