Courts / Meath / Report
Man accused of murdering fiancée told gardai he felt 'like some monster'
Summary
A 35‑year‑old Romanian man, Andrei Dobra, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his fiancée, Ioana Mihaela Pacala, aged 30, who died on or about 12 November 2022 in Ratoath, Co. Meath. Dobra told Gardaí he felt like a monster and that he could not control his actions when he strangled her. He claimed to have been influenced by a phantom and that he believed someone was pushing him. He admitted that his arms were used to squeeze her neck, but said his mind was elsewhere. The Central Criminal Court heard that a state pathologist confirmed death by strangulation. Two psychiatrists, one for the defence and one for the prosecution, will testify that Dobra suffered a mental disorder at the time of the killing. The trial is proceeding before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man accused of murdering fiancée told gardai he felt 'like some monster'. Charges or matters: her murder by reason of insanity and two psychiatrists called by the defence and prosecution will give evidence that he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-07-03 Publication
Why: " Det Sgt Dervan confirmed that during a garda interview, the accused said: "Because my mentality, I don't know what happening. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: her murder by reason of insanity and two psychiatrists called by the defence and prosecution will give evidence that he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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