Courts / Dublin / Report

Fights that ended in man dying from stab wound to neck captured on CCTV and Ring doorbell, jury hears

Summary

The Central Criminal Court heard that a series of fights ended with Joseph Lawlor (39) stabbing Michael Ryan (51) in the neck, cutting his carotid artery and killing him. The prosecution presented a 17‑second CCTV clip showing the fatal blow. Both men had been drinking heavily together before the altercations, which were the third physical encounter that night. The first fight began at about 8.30 pm and was captured on CCTV and by a neighbour's mobile phone; a witness said the younger man knocked the older man to the ground. After Garda intervention, three more men joined the pair, and a second fight broke out at about 9.30 pm, again recorded on CCTV and by neighbours. Lawlor was heard calling Ryan a "rat" and threatening to stab him, but later said he would not. Ryan was arrested for drunken driving at 9.50 pm, returned to the house after midnight, and was again captured on CCTV. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Fights that ended in man dying from stab wound to neck captured on CCTV and Ring doorbell, jury hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael Ryan at Hampton Wood Way, St Margaret's Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 on June 20, 2024. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 20, 2024 Other
• Wednesday, June 19th Incident
• 2025-06-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report