Courts / Dublin / Report
Blood-stained blind cord around mum-of-two's neck had accused's DNA, trial hears
Summary
During the trial, a forensic scientist presented evidence that a blood‑stained blind cord wrapped around the neck of 52‑year‑old mother‑of‑two Lisa Thompson contained a mixed DNA profile. The profile could not exclude Thompson as a major contributor and could not exclude 40‑year‑old accused Brian McHugh as a minor contributor. DNA from jewellery seized at McHugh's home also matched Thompson's DNA. The jury heard that Thompson had been dealing prescription drugs from her home and that she and McHugh had a brief relationship in the year before her death. Thompson was found dead in her home with multiple stab wounds and ligature strangulation. McHugh pleaded not guilty to her murder. The trial continues before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Blood-stained blind cord around mum-of-two's neck had accused's DNA, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Thompson (52) at Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun in Dublin 11 on May 9, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 9, 2022 Incident
- May 13 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-02-21 Publication
Why: A pathologist has also given evidence that Ms Thompson's death occurred because of a combination of ligature strangulation causing asphyxia and multiple stab wounds to the left side of the chest. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Ms Thompson (52) at Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun in Dublin 11 on May 9, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man withdraws appeal after telling court it 'wouldn't make a difference'
- Teen with 30 convictions who stamped on assault victim's head is jailed
- Six years for on-bail offender who fractured homeless man's skull in 'cowardly' attack
- On-bail teen offender fractured homeless man's skull in unprovoked assault
- Detective tells court of 'deeply harrowing' experience of being strangled at halting site
- Violent 'monster' jailed for repeatedly kicking former partner in the head
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request