Ireland Case No. 5425Murder · Co. Mayo
Trial of James Kilroy over murder of wife Valerie French Kilroy hears evidence on psychosis
James Kilroy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his wife Valerie French Kilroy at Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo, in June 2019. At the Central Criminal Court, a psychiatrist gave evidence that drug-induced psychosis is not a mental disorder under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court17 Jul
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports21 statements extracted from the articles
- whatJames Kilroy, 51, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his wife. (irishtimes.com)
- whatJames Kilroy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his wife. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe killing took place at the couple's home at Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe killing took place at Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe killing took place between June 13 and 14, 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe murder took place between June 13 and June 14, 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- causeThe victim died from strangulation, blunt force trauma and a stab wound to the neck. (irishtimes.com)
- causeThe victim died from strangulation, blunt force trauma to the face and a stab wound to the neck. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationA blood test taken on the day of arrest was negative for cannabis and metabolites. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí took Mr Kilroy to Mayo University Hospital to be assessed under the Mental Health Act. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA psychiatrist told the Central Criminal Court that Kilroy was likely suffering from drug-induced psychosis after many years of cannabis use. (irishtimes.com)
- courtCross-examination of the psychiatrist will continue before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury has been told that Mr Kilroy accepts he killed his wife. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe defence psychiatrist said Mr Kilroy was most likely suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis at the time of the killing. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA prosecution expert said drug-induced psychosis does not meet the criteria for a mental disorder under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe prosecution expert said the most straightforward diagnosis for Mr Kilroy is cannabis-induced psychosis. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe expert found that Mr Kilroy understood the nature and quality of his actions, knew they were wrong, and was able to refrain from killing his wife. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe psychiatrist said Kilroy described owls talking to him and communicating with god before the killing. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe psychiatrist concluded Kilroy qualifies for the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe expert described Mr Kilroy as an unreliable historian, and said such matters are for the jury. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr Kilroy is 51 years old. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 19 Jul2024Kilroy case hears drug-induced psychosis not a defence to murder
Court report on expert psychiatric evidence in the ongoing trial of James Kilroy, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The defence psychiatrist's earlier evidence is summarised and disputed by the prosecution's expert.
accused, James Kilroy, 51, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Kilroyvictim, Valerie French Kilroy, irish (judged from name)Valerie French Kilroy - 17 Jul2024Murder accused suffering from drug-induced psychosis due to cannabis use, trial hears
Reports psychiatric evidence given at the trial, including the psychiatrist's diagnosis, his conclusion on the insanity criteria, and cross-examination. The trial is continuing.
accused, James Kilroy, 51, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Kilroyvictim, Valerie French Kilroy, 41, female, irish (judged from name)Valerie French Kilroy