Courts / Dublin / Report

Eric Locke described autism symptoms in way that seemed "lifted from a textbook", psychiatrist tells trial

Date
2017-05-18

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court trial of Eric Locke, a psychiatrist testified that Locke, 35, was motivated by retribution and extreme anger when he strangled and suffocated his ex‑girlfriend, Sonia Blount, 31, at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. The psychiatrist, Dr Francis Kelly, stated that Locke did not suffer from a mental illness at the time of the offence and that his alleged autism symptoms were described in a textbook‑like manner, which he found unconvincing. He described Locke as having an anankastic personality disorder and a history of depressive symptoms, but argued that these did not impair his capacity to form intent. Dr Kelly concluded that Locke's elaborate planning, purchase of restraint items, and post‑killing actions demonstrated clear consciousness and intent, and that any mental disorder was not severe enough to support a diminished responsibility defence. The case remains at the trial stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Eric Locke described autism symptoms in way that seemed "lifted from a textbook", psychiatrist tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering the mother-of-one in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on the 16th of February 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-05-18 Publication

Why: He said the reason for this lift was that he had a clear opportunity to meet with her so that he could tell her about his feelings. CNI source report