Woman charged with partner’s murder granted compassionate bail for Christmas

A Louth mother-of-three charged with murdering her boyfriend has been granted compassionate bail to spend Christmas with her family.

Paula Farrell, 46, of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda, Co Louth, is accused of murdering Wayne McQuillan, 30, at her home on New Year’s morning in 2014.

Her trial is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2020.

At the Central Criminal Court this morning Edward Doocey BL, for Ms Farrell, said she wished to make a bail application for December 24 until December 27.

Maurice Coffey BL, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the court that the DPP had no objections to the bail application subject to a list of conditions.

Mr Justice Michael White granted the request and said Ms Farrell would be released on compassionate bail from 3pm on Christmas Eve until 3pm on December 27, 2020.

The court heard the list of conditions include an independent surety of €500; that she would reside at Rathmullen Park during her release; that her sister Siobhan Farrell could be contacted at any point during that time; and that she obey a curfew between 8pm and 8am.

They also include that Ms Farrell will be available to An Garda Síochána at the address she will reside at during the time of her release; that she will not visit the grave of Wayne McQuillan and that she will not be within one kilometre of the McQuillan family.

Mr Justice Michael White asked Ms Farrell if she understood the conditions and she replied: “Yes, your honour.”

She also told the judge: “Thank you so much, your honour.”