Courts / Ireland / Report
Valerie French Kilroy's husband suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis when he killed her, psychiatrist says
Summary
In the Central Criminal Court, Dr Ronan Mullaney testified that James Kilroy, 51, was likely suffering from drug‑induced psychosis when he strangled, bludgeoned and stabbed his wife Valerie French Kilroy at their home. Mullaney described Kilroy's delusional beliefs that his wife was part of a conspiracy to torture and kill him, and that he heard owls and spoke to God. Kilroy had a long history of cannabis use, including high‑THC strains, and had mixed cannabis with CBD. Mullaney argued that at the time of the killing Kilroy was acutely psychotic and that cannabis use probably contributed to this state. He concluded Kilroy met the criteria for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The case will be heard by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of eight women and four men.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Valerie French Kilroy's husband suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis when he killed her, psychiatrist says. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- 2024-07-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Places mentioned
- A park
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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