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Christina Anderson appeals eight-year sentence for killing dad-of-seven
Summary
Christina Anderson, 41, of Dublin 22, appealed her sentence at the Court of Appeal regarding the killing of Gareth Kelly, 38. Anderson was sentenced earlier this year to 11 years in prison, with the final three years suspended for four years. She was initially charged with murder and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted a plea of guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility due to a mental disorder. The State accepted Anderson was experiencing a psychotic episode due to bipolar affective disorder but did not qualify for a full insanity defence. Counsel for Anderson argued the sentencing judge failed to correctly assess her moral culpability, citing a psychiatrist's report that she was highly dominated by her condition with no insight. The DPP countered that moral culpability was not extinguished, pointing to ongoing aggravation and the fact that Anderson stabbed the victim, walked away, and returned to stab him again. The DPP also noted the suspended portion was necessary for public protection given the lack of a suitable environment to police her mental health. Anderson is currently an enhanced prisoner at Dochas women's prison, where her medication has been reduced and she is participating in various classes. The matter remains under appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Christina Anderson appeals eight-year sentence for killing dad-of-seven. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- February 25, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-12-05 Publication
Why: " Ms Anderson had a "psychotic moral justification" for her actions because, Dr Wright said, "she delusionally believed" that her life and the lives of her children were in danger and that she could protect them by killing Mr Kelly. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Christina Anderson was sentenced earlier this year to 11 years in prison with the final three suspended for four years. Mr Greene also submitted that the sentencing judge was entitled to impose a lengthy suspended sentence at the end of Anderson's term in custody where there is no "environment to police a person with a history of mental illness".
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