Eric Locke handed mandatory life sentence for the murder of Sonia Blount

Eric Locke handed mandatory life sentence for the murder of Sonia Blount

The family of Sonia Blount have thanked the jury for seeing Eric Locke as “the lying and manipulative person that he is,” after the Clondalkin man was today handed down a mandatory life sentence.

Locke of St John’s Park East in Clondalkin had admitted he caused the death of Ms Blount in the Plaza Hotel on February 16, 2014 but had denied he murdered her.

Locke murder trial 348967349

He was found guilty by unanimous verdict for the murder of the mother of one, who was today described as “an innocent, beautiful, kind, caring person and mother.”

Ms Blount’s family delivered victim impact statements in court today, with her sister, Claire Reddan telling the trial that not a day goes by when Sonia’s son does not talk about his mother.

Jake is now being raised by his auntie who said her sister idolised her son and “spoilt him rotten”.

Ms Reddan told the court how Jake had spent many nights sobbing for his mother and asking where she was after her death.

She said she worried about the questions he would ask and what he would be able to read online about his mother’s death.

Tracey Blount also delivered a victim impact statement in court, and said her sister lived life to the fullest.

She said Sonia was taken in the most violent way, and without a thought for her family, and that no matter what happens, the family will never have their beautiful sister back.

Speaking outside the court today family friend Liz Gaffney said: “On behalf of the family we would like to thank Judge Moriarty for his judgement, however, this will never bring Sonia back.

“We would like to thank our legal team, Remy Farrell, Ronan Kennedy and all their legal associates for their hard work during the last three years.

“We would also like to thank all the Gardai involved in the case for their diligence and meticulous work throughout. A special thankyou to our family liaison officer for all the support and thoughtfulness throughout this very difficult time.

“We would like to give a special thanks to all her friends and her colleagues in Henkel Locktite for all their support over the last three years, and always.”

She continued: “A special word of warning to everybody using social media sites, we urge you please be cautious and always be aware, it is so easy to set up false profiles.

“Sonia made an error of judgement and paid for this with her life.

“We would also like to thank the jury for their unanimous and timely decision, and for seeing her murderer as the lying and manipulative person that he is – for this our family is so grateful.

“Sonia was an innocent, beautiful, kind, caring person and mother who is sadly missed by all who knew her and loved her.”

TAGS
Share This