Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman tells trial of giving birth two months after partner fatally stabbed

Summary

A Dublin man died from a stab wound to the neck less than two months before his partner gave birth to their child, the Central Criminal Court heard. Natanya Comerford testified that the deceased, Michael Ryan, had lost his mother to cancer six weeks before his death. She stated that Mr Ryan was taking a prescribed dose of Zopiclone to help him sleep and that the €4,000 found in his gym bag was from a loan for home improvements. Ms Comerford said she had never heard of Mr Ryan selling sleeping tablets. Joseph Lawlor, who denies murdering Mr Ryan, was questioned about the money in the gym bag, to which she replied that Mr Ryan was an 'eejit'. The trial heard that Mr Ryan and Mr Lawlor were drinking together and had a physical altercation. Mr Ryan was arrested for drink driving but was later released. He returned to Mr Lawlor's home where the fatal encounter occurred. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman tells trial of giving birth two months after partner fatally stabbed. Charges or matters: Mr Ryan's murder in a carpark to the back of the accused man's home on June 20, 2024. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 20, 2024 Other
• Christmas Incident
• 2026-02-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report