Eric Locke faced murder trial over hotel killing

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Eric Locke faced a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, reported on 17 May 2017. He was charged with murdering Sonia Blount at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on 16 February 2014.

Locke pleaded not guilty but admitted causing Blount’s death. A defence psychiatrist said his mental state supported diminished responsibility, while agreeing there had been an element of planning in how he entered the hotel room unrecognised.

The trial heard that Locke had used a false Facebook identity and arranged for Blount to leave a keycard at reception. The proceedings continued before a jury.