Courts / Dublin / Report

Killing a 'tragedy of almost Shakespearean proportions', defence tells murder trial jury

Date
2026-02-16

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard closing arguments in a case arising from the fatal stabbing of a man in Dublin in June 2024. Joseph Lawlor, aged 39, of Hampton Wood Road in Finglas, Dublin 11, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, aged 51, who died from a stab wound to the neck in a carpark behind Mr Lawlor's home on 20 June 2024. The prosecution contends that Mr Lawlor inflicted the fatal wound with intent to kill or cause serious injury and was not acting in lawful self-defence. The defence argues that Mr Lawlor was entitled to use reasonable force to protect himself and his property after Mr Ryan, a friend with whom he had been drinking, broke into his home, took cash, and made threats. The jury heard evidence regarding earlier physical altercations between the men and a 999 call made immediately after the incident. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath is presiding over the trial, with closing arguments continuing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Killing a 'tragedy of almost Shakespearean proportions', defence tells murder trial jury. 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: