Courts / Meath / Report

Man (36) pleads not guilty to murdering fiancée by reason of insanity

Summary

A 36‑year‑old man, Andrei Dobra, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his fiancée, Ioana Mihaela Pacala, aged 30, at their flat in Ratoath on or about 12 November 2022. Dobra, who lives at Riverwalk Court, Fairyhouse Road, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on a single charge of murder. He answered "Not guilty" and "I can't be responsible" when the registrar asked how he was pleading. Judge Paul McDermott recorded the plea as not guilty by reason of insanity and explained that the case would involve medical evidence about Dobra's mental state at the time of the death. The prosecution's psychiatrist, Dr Brenda Wright, and the defence's psychiatrist, Dr Patricia Casey, were named as witnesses. A jury of twelve was sworn in, and the trial is set to begin the following day before Ms Justice Melanie Greally, potentially lasting up to five days.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man (36) pleads not guilty to murdering fiancée by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: murdering his partner Ioana Mihaela Pacala (30) in their flat at that address on or about November 12, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-07-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report