Courts / Mayo / Report

James Kilroy had 'substance-induced psychotic episode' when he killed wife, psychiatrist tells trial

Date
2023-11-15

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Westport

County
Mayo

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, a consultant forensic psychiatrist testified that James Kilroy was suffering from a substance-induced psychotic episode when he killed his wife at their rural home near Westport, Co Mayo. Dr Ronan Mullaney told the jury that the accused's mental disorder meant he did not know his actions were wrong and could not refrain from committing the act. Kilroy, aged 50, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his wife between June 13 and 14, 2019. The psychiatrist described paranoid delusions and erratic behaviour in the weeks preceding the death, including beliefs about surveillance and conspiracy. He stated the accused met criteria for the insanity defence under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. In cross-examination, the State's counsel disputed the evidence, suggesting the accused had minimised his long-standing cannabis use and had motivation to provide a self-serving account. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: James Kilroy had 'substance-induced psychotic episode' when he killed wife, psychiatrist tells trial. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 13, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
June 14, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
June 5, 2019 Other
June 15 Incident
June 7 Incident
June 16 Incident
2023-11-15 Publication

Why: The expert witness said the mental disorder was such that the accused ought not to be held responsible for the act because he did not know what he was doing was wrong and was unable to refrain from committing the act. CNI source report