Courts / Dublin / Report

Ruth Lawrence trial still not ready more than 10 years on from alleged murders

Date
2024-10-29
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Ruth Lawrence, 42, of Clontarf, faces trial for the murders of Anthony Keegan, 33, and Eoin O'Connor, 32, whose bodies were discovered on Inchicup Island, Lough Sheelin, on 26 May 2014. The trial was scheduled for 7 October 2024 by Mr Justice David Keane, but the State reported that Lawrence's lawyers had not yet received full disclosure. At the Central Criminal Court, Michael O'Higgins SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions informed Ms Justice Karen O'Connor that disclosure remains incomplete, while James Dwyer SC for Lawrence noted several outstanding matters and could not predict when the trial would be ready. Justice O'Connor adjourned the case to a mention on 21 November. Lawrence was charged in May 2023 with two counts of murder following the discovery of the bodies, which were found after a fisherman detected a smell from the island. The men were described as "inseparable" friends at their June 2014 funeral.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Ruth Lawrence trial still not ready more than 10 years on from alleged murders. Charges or matters: two counts of murder on an unknown date between April 22 and May 26, 2014, when gardaí were alerted to the discovery of the men's bodies. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Case subjects

Ruth Lawrence

Accused

Charges: two counts of murder on an unknown date between April 22 and May 26, 2014, when gardaí were alerted to the discovery of the men's bodies (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Ms Justice O'Connor adjourned the matter for mention to November 21.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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