Courts / Dublin / Report
Locke jailed for life for murdering mum-of-one Sonia Blount
Summary
In a Dublin court, Eric Locke was sentenced to a mandatory life term for the murder of 31‑year‑old Sonia Blount, who was killed in a hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014. Locke had lured Blount to the hotel using a fake Facebook profile after she had cut contact with him. He strangled her with his hands and a phone‑charger cable, then suffocated her by forcing her t‑shirt into her mouth, dislodging her teeth. He pleaded not guilty but admitted causing her death. A jury found him guilty of murder after 1 hour 33 minutes of deliberation. The judge pronounced a life sentence, noting the tragedy for Blount's three‑year‑old son, Jake, and the impact on her family. The sentencing hearing was attended by Blount's relatives, who delivered victim impact statements. The court concluded with Locke being led away to begin his life sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Locke jailed for life for murdering mum-of-one Sonia Blount. Charges or matters: her murder, but admitted causing her death in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on the 16th of February 2014; murder after just an hour and 33 minutes of deliberations. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 2014 Other
- February 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-05-26 Publication
Why: She explained that family was always important to her sister, who was delighted when she found out she was going to be a mother herself. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: her murder, but admitted causing her death in a room at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on the 16th of February 2014; murder after just an hour and 33 minutes of deliberations (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Credit: Collins] A Dublin man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a single mother-of-one hours after her son's third birthday party, in what the judge described as 'an unspeakable tragedy' for the child. He explained that the sentence was mandatory. "I pronounce you be sentenced to imprisonment for life," he concluded.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- St John's Park
Topics
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