Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury deliberating in murder trial of man who claims self defence

Summary

A jury has begun deliberations in the murder trial of Joseph Lawlor, who claims he stabbed his friend, Michael Ryan, in self-defense. Lawlor, 39, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ryan, who was found dead in a carpark after a dispute. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations. Ryan returned to Lawlor's home after being released from custody for drink driving and accused Lawlor of calling gardai. Ryan threatened to bring others to attack Lawlor's home. Lawlor pursued Ryan to the carpark and stabbed him once in the neck, severing an artery. The judge instructed the jury that if Lawlor used reasonable force in self-defense, he must be acquitted. If the force was excessive, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved Lawlor did not act in self-defense, the verdict would be murder.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in murder trial of man who claims self defence. 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
• 2026-02-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report