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Psychiatrist tells trial that Eric Locke had "diminished responsibility" for killing
Summary
In a 2017 trial, Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill testified that Eric Locke, a 35‑year‑old from Clondalkin, had a chronic pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, including ADHD, autism and Asperger's syndrome. He described Locke's early autistic behaviours, his many short‑lived jobs, and his tendency to attribute human qualities to action figures. Dr Ó Domhnaill also noted a childhood urethral condition that had been surgically attempted but left a deformity, which had led to female taunts and a mistrust of women. He concluded that Locke's mental state meant he had diminished responsibility for the killing of 31‑year‑old Sonia Blount, whom he strangled and suffocated in a hotel room in Tallaght on 16 February 2014 after meeting her via a fake Facebook profile. The psychiatrist said Locke had not intended to kill her, only to tie her to a chair and force her to listen to his suffering, and that he had panicked when she screamed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Psychiatrist tells trial that Eric Locke had "diminished responsibility" for killing. Charges or matters: murdering 31-year-old Sonia Blount in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on the 16th of February 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2015 Other
- 2017-05-15 Publication
Why: He explained that this was a feature seen in Asperger's Syndrome. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering 31-year-old Sonia Blount in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on the 16th of February 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
Topics
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