Courts / Dublin / Report

Elaine O'Hara's GP tells murder trial that her medical status was better in years before death

Date
2015-02-11

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During the 14th day of Graham Dwyer's murder trial, Dr Matthew Corcoran, Elaine O'Hara's GP, testified that her depression had improved in the years before her death. He treated her mainly for asthma, noting she also had low Vitamin B12, mild diabetes and was on a cholesterol tablet. Corcoran confirmed he had not managed her depression but received discharge letters from her psychiatric hospital and sometimes renewed her prescriptions. He described her last visit on 10 July 2012, when she had sinusitis and mild respiratory symptoms, and prescribed antibiotics and steroids. Under cross‑examination, he acknowledged she had been admitted to hospital 14 times, some involving self‑harm, and that she had a history of depression and anxiety. He did not comment on the circumstances of her death, which remains undetermined. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Elaine O'Hara's GP tells murder trial that her medical status was better in years before death. Charges or matters: Ms O'Hara's murder at Killakee, Rathfarnham on August 22nd, 2012, hours after she was discharged from a mental health hospital; murdering the 36-year-old childcare worker on that date. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 22nd, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
July 10th 2012 Other
August 2012 Other
May 2000 Other
August 22nd Hearing Or Sentence
Friday, September 13th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-02-11 Publication

Case subjects

Elaine O'Hara's Gp

Accused

Charges: Ms O'Hara's murder at Killakee, Rathfarnham on August 22nd, 2012, hours after she was discharged from a mental health hospital; murdering the 36-year-old childcare worker on that date (Alleged Or Contested)

Matthew Corcoran

Accused