Ireland Case No. 4541Murder · Co. Waterford · 9 Feb 2024
Woman charged with murdering six-year-old son, trial delayed over psychiatric assessments
Ruth Purcell Healy, 37, is charged with the murder of her six-year-old son Matthew Healy, who died in February 2024. At the Central Criminal Court, the judge criticised the delay in securing psychiatric assessments, and the case was listed for mention on December 3rd.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court19 Nov
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports8 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe child was found unresponsive near Rathmoylan Cove, Dunmore East. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe child died after being found unresponsive on 9 February 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeRuth Purcell Healy is charged with the murder of her six-year-old son Matthew Healy. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge said it was completely unacceptable that the State could not facilitate psychiatric assessments for the trial. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe prosecution could not get a consultant forensic psychiatrist in Ireland to prepare a psychiatric report on the accused. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was listed for mention on December 3rd. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe child was later pronounced dead at University Hospital Waterford. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe father of the child had attended court more than 13 times. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 19 Nov2025‘Completely unacceptable’ trial delays over woman charged with murdering son (6)
Court report on delays in the murder trial: no consultant forensic psychiatrist in Ireland was available to prepare a report for the prosecution, and the judge said the State's failure was completely unacceptable.
accused, Ruth Purcell Healy, 37, female, named, irish (judged from name)Ruth Purcell Healyvictim, Matthew Healy, 6, male, irish (judged from name)Matthew Healy