Courts / Tipperary / Report

Psychiatrist denies only being interested in evidence which 'bolstered' insanity hypothesis

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, a psychiatrist denied allegations that he selectively considered evidence supporting an insanity defence in assessing a Mayo man charged with his wife's murder. Dr Ronan Mullaney was cross-examined regarding his assessment of James Kilroy, aged 51, who is charged with murdering Valerie French Kilroy at their home in 2019. The accused has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecution counsel suggested Dr Mullaney omitted evidence that Kilroy appeared rational when an insulation contractor visited shortly before the killing, querying whether he was only interested in material bolstering his psychosis conclusion. Dr Mullaney maintained he would likely include such evidence if preparing his report again. The court heard evidence regarding Kilroy's cannabis use and mental health history. Consultant psychiatrist Professor Harry Kennedy was subsequently called for the prosecution, providing background on Kilroy's family circumstances and substance use over decades. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Psychiatrist denies only being interested in evidence which 'bolstered' insanity hypothesis. Charges or matters: murdering his wife Valerie French Kilroy at their Mayo home in 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 2024-07-18 Publication

Why: Ms Lawlor said: "You said it wasn't relevant because he didn't describe an abnormal state. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report