Courts / Dublin / Report
Judge tells woman's double murder trial that key witness is in 'medical situation'
Summary
In a double‑murder trial, the jury was sent home until Thursday morning after the judge learned that a key witness was in a medical situation. The case involves Ruth Lawrence, 45, who is accused of killing Anthony Keegan, 33, and Eoin O'Connor, 32, between 22 April and 26 May 2014. Mr Justice Tony Hunt told the 12 jurors that the witness's condition was significant to both sides and that the parties would need to decide whether the trial could proceed without the witness. He said he would return with further information on Thursday. The prosecution, led by Michael O'Higgins SC, argued that Lawrence shot O'Connor and that she and her boyfriend, South African national Neville van der Westhuizen, worked together to kill the men and dispose of their bodies, which were later found bound and covered on Inchicup Island. The judge urged the jury not to speculate until more details were available. Ruth Lawrence pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge tells woman's double murder trial that key witness is in 'medical situation'. Charges or matters: murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 22, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 26, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-10-14 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request