Courts / Mayo / Report

Man accused of murdering wife was suffering 'acute and transient psychotic disorder', jury told

Summary

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a Westport man accused of killing his wife was experiencing acute and transient psychotic disorder at the time of the alleged killing. James Kilroy, aged 51, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Valerie French Kilroy at their home in Kilbree Lower between June 13th and 14th, 2019. Defence psychiatric expert Dr Lisa Wootton testified that Mr Kilroy was likely suffering from the condition rather than cannabis-induced psychosis. She outlined that he held various delusional beliefs, including that his wife was involved in a plot with associates of Donald Trump to have him captured and killed, and that he was on a divine mission. Dr Wootton stated such delusions would have prevented him from understanding the wrongfulness of his actions. The prosecution called Professor Harry Kennedy, who offered a different diagnosis relating to cannabis intoxication. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of murdering wife was suffering 'acute and transient psychotic disorder', jury told. Charges or matters: murdering his wife. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• June 13th Other
• June 14th, 2019 Other
• 2024-07-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report