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

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.