Unlawful killing verdict at Wexford Coroner’s Court over death of 27-year-old Steven Ring
Wexford PeopleA verdict of unlawful killing was returned at a recent sitting of Wexford Coroner’s Court into the death of 27-year-old Steven Ring, whose body was recovered from a quarry following an extensive search operation.
The inquest heard evidence from a number of witnesses regarding Mr Ring’s disappearance and the subsequent discovery of his body.
A statement from his grandfather, Jim Ring, outlined how he had spoken with Steven in the early hours of October 15, 2024. Steven had asked his grandfather to bring him to Wexford later that day in connection with medical stitches. Mr Ring agreed and Steven arrived at his grandparents’ home that day, where he had dinner with Jim and Margaret Ring before travelling to Wexford.
The court heard that Steven was in good spirits during the journey. During the drive he asked to be dropped to a woman’s house near Cluain Dara housing estate. Mr Ring did not know the woman Steven intended to visit, but was aware that the pair had met previously. Steven directed him to the entrance of the estate before Mr Ring returned home. It was the last time he saw or spoke to his grandson.
A statement from Steven’s mother, Linda Ring, was also read into evidence. She told gardaí that Steven had been missing since October 15, 2024, and that the last contact she had with him was by telephone in the early hours of October 13.
The court also heard the statement of Garda John Hubbard of Rosslare Strand Garda Station. He was involved in a search operation at Carrigfoyle Quarry as part of the Wexford Divisional Search Team to search for missing person Steven Ring.
Garda Hubbard spoke to two young boys who were fishing at the water’s edge and asked them to leave the area while searches were being carried out.
An hour later the boys returned and informed him that after moving to another location within the quarry, one of their fishing hooks had become snagged on an object beneath the water. Garda Hubbard, accompanied by members of Wexford Civil Defence, attended the location and a body was discovered submerged in the water.
He remained at the scene until the arrival of the Garda Underwater Unit before continuing a search of the surrounding areas in connection with the incident.
The inquest heard that criminal proceedings subsequently arose from the investigation. Christopher Judge was charged with the murder of Steven Ring and, on March 27, 2026, pleaded guilty to the offence. He received the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Jane Corcoran was also prosecuted in connection with the case. On February 9, 2026, she pleaded guilty to assisting and abetting and to attempting to impede a Garda investigation. She was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, with the final two years suspended.
The pathologist report was read into court which concluded that the cause of death was the application of external pressure to the neck, with cocaine ingestion identified as a contributory factor. Wexford Coroner Fíona Reynolds returned a verdict of unlawful killing.
The coroner and An Garda Síochána extended their sympathies to the family.