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Dublin man jailed for life for body-in-wardrobe murder

Summary

A Dublin man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson (53), whose body was discovered in a wardrobe in 2012. Bernard Locke (41), from Ramillies Road Ballyfermot, admitted to a single count of murder during the proceedings. The prosecution confirmed that Locke had pleaded guilty immediately after his arrest. Christopher Jackson was stabbed to death in his Dublin flat on 7 September 2012. His body was found wrapped in duvet covers in his own flat on Prussia Street. During garda interviews, Locke admitted to stabbing Jackson through the heart and severing a significant artery, and administering numerous wounds. The victim suffered approximately 70 stab wounds, with the first wound being sufficient to cause death. Locke made efforts to secrete the body, including spraying bleach and shampoo on the walls, which led to police being tipped off. Locke had 40 previous convictions, including one for assault causing serious harm. The victim's daughter, Nadine Clifford, delivered a victim impact statement, expressing her grief and the lasting emotional impact of the crime. The defence argued that Locke's guilty plea should be accepted as a sign of remorse. Mr Justice Paul Carney sentenced Bernard Locke to the mandatory sentence of imprisonment for life from 8 September 2012.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin man jailed for life for body-in-wardrobe murder. Charges or matters: the murder of Christopher Jackson (53) two weeks ago; a single count of murder. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 7 September Other
• 8 September 2012 Other
• 2014-02-10 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report