Courts / Mayo / Report

Murder trial jury may consider if cannabis-induced psychosis qualifies as mental disorder for insanity verdict

Date
2024-07-25

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Westport

County
Mayo

Summary

A jury at the Central Criminal Court is considering whether cannabis-induced psychosis constitutes a mental disorder that could support an insanity defence in the trial of James Kilroy, charged with the murder of his wife Valerie French Kilroy at their home in Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, between 13th and 14th June 2019. Mr Justice Tony Hunt charged the jury following conflicting expert psychiatric evidence. The defence called Dr Ronan Mullaney and Dr Lisa Wootton, who concluded that Mr Kilroy was experiencing drug-induced or acute psychotic disorder and met criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecution's Professor Harry Kennedy argued that cannabis-induced conditions fall within intoxication, which cannot constitute a legal defence. The judge instructed the jury to determine the ordinary meaning of "intoxicating influence" in this context. The prosecution closing submission questioned whether the defence experts' conclusions withstand scrutiny, whilst the defence emphasised toxicology evidence showing no THC intoxication. The jury, having deliberated less than an hour, will resume tomorrow. The unnamed man was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial jury may consider if cannabis-induced psychosis qualifies as mental disorder for insanity verdict. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Acquitted

When: