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'If you are going to stab me, stab me now,' stabbing victim told murder accused

Summary

A Dublin man, Joseph Lawlor, is on trial for the murder of his friend, Michael Ryan, who was fatally stabbed in the neck. The trial heard that hours before the stabbing, Ryan told his friend, 'If you are going to stab me, stab me now.' The two men had been drinking together and had a series of altercations. An audio recording captured Lawlor calling Ryan a 'snitch' and a 'supergrass,' with Ryan responding that he had saved Lawlor's life. The recording also included Lawlor threatening to stab Ryan with his own knife. A bloodstained knife was found in Lawlor's home, and it was presented as the murder weapon. The prosecution argued that Lawlor's actions were premeditated, while the defence suggested that neither man had a knife during the immediate altercation. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'If you are going to stab me, stab me now,' stabbing victim told murder accused. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael Ryan (51) in a carpark to the back of the accused man's home on June 20, 2024. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 20, 2024 Other
• 2026-02-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report