Trial of Clondalkin man accused of murdering Tallaght mother enters day three

The trial of a Clondalkin man charged with the murder of a Tallaght mother-of-one in the Plaza Hotel in 2014 enters its third day today at the Central Criminal Court.

Eric Locke (35) of St John’s Park East in Clondalkin admitted he caused the death of Sonia Blount (31) in the hotel room on February 16, 2014 but has denied he murdered her.

Yesterday the trial was shown CCTV footage of Mr Locke drinking in a pub in Clondalkin before he made his way to the Plaza Hotel.

In other footage, he can be seen entering the hotel just before midnight on the night in question, while he can be seen leaving the hotel five and a half hours later.

The court also heard Ms Blount died from a lack of oxygen due to being gagged and strangled.

State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy told the trial Ms Blount’s jeans were buttoned and zipped but were down over her hips.

Prosecuting barrister, Remy Farrell said there was a suggestion Mr Locke had dressed Ms Blount after she was killed, but Professor Cassidy said that would have been difficult after she had died.

She also said there was evidence of recent sexual activity, but Professor Cassidy said there was no way of knowing whether or not it was consensual.

Garda Robert Whitty and Garda Thomas Murray also testified yesterday. Both said Ms Blount had a garment stuffed in her mouth, with Garda Whitty noting the victim had a mark on her neck which he said was consistent with a strangulation mark.

He also said there was duct tape and a phone charger near the body of Ms Blount, which was lying on the ground, while there was also an imitation gun under the bed.

The trial continues today at the Central Criminal Court.