Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury to continue deliberating over murder accused's self-defence claim

Date
2026-02-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Joseph Lawlor, who is accused of murdering his friend Michael Ryan in June 2024. Lawlor claims he acted in self-defence and to protect his property. The trial began in January, and the jury requested a copy of Lawlor's testimony, which detailed the events leading to the fatal stabbing. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations throughout the evening. Ryan was arrested for drink driving and later returned to Lawlor's home, demanding the return of a watch and threatening to use "pineapples" (slang for grenades). Lawlor pursued Ryan to a carpark and stabbed him in the neck, causing his death. The judge instructed the jury that if they found Lawlor's account credible and that he used reasonable force, they must acquit. However, if he used excessive force, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved he did not act in self-defence, the verdict would be murder. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury to continue deliberating over murder accused's self-defence claim. 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: