Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman planning 'unforgettable' wedding was strangled by partner

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 19 July 2024, the court heard that Andrei Dobra, aged 36, strangled his fiancée Ioana Mihaela Pacala to death on 12 November 2023. The court found Dobra not guilty by reason of insanity and committed him to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane. Dobra had been in a loving relationship with Pacala and had been seen holding hands with her on CCTV less than 24 hours before the murder. Two consultant psychiatrists diagnosed Dobra with schizo‑affective disorder, describing psychotic delusions that led him to believe Pacala was a threat. Pacala's father, Gheorghe Gratian Pacala, expressed deep devastation and described his daughter as gentle and respectful, noting that the couple had planned a wedding for 10 June 2023 and had bought a house together. The judge ordered Dobra to remain at the CMH for continuous treatment and assessment. The hearing was conducted via videolink as Dobra was not physically present.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman planning 'unforgettable' wedding was strangled by partner. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 10, 2023 Incident
• November 12 Incident
• 2024-07-19 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report