Courts / Dublin / Report

Trial of Eric Locke hears of text messages sent to mum-of-one

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court trial of 35‑year‑old Eric Locke, the jury heard that DNA matching Locke was found under the fingernails of his ex‑girlfriend, Sonia Blount, who was strangled and suffocated in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. Locke, who pleaded not guilty, is charged with her murder. The prosecution presented evidence that a man matching Locke's description left the scene with facial scrapes and that Locke had sent text messages to Blount after their breakup, pleading for a second chance while she asked to be left alone. Forensic scientist Marce Lee Gorman confirmed a DNA profile matching Blount on Locke's bloodstained jeans and on her fingernails. The trial, which continues on Thursday, remains at the jury stage with eight men and four women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Trial of Eric Locke hears of text messages sent to mum-of-one. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 11th Other
• 2017-05-10 Publication

Why: The prosecutor has told the jury that the the accused had assumed a false identity in order to meet the 31-year-old in the room, where she was found strangled and suffocated. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report