Man charged with murdering woman in Tallaght hotel remanded in custody

A man appeared in court yesterday morning charged with the murder of Sonia Blount in a Tallaght hotel on Sunday.

Eric Locke, aged 31, of St Johns Park East, Clondalkin, Dublin, was charged with murdering Ms Blount, 31, at Room 346 of The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght.

Dressed in black plimsolls, dark blue jeans, and a blue hooded sweatshirt, Mr Locke appeared in custody before Judge Anthony Halpin.

Garda Jennifer Brogan told Judge Halpin that she arrested Mr Locke for the charge of murder at 1.05am on Tuesday in Tallaght Garda Station.

She said Mr Locke was cautioned and was later charged at 1.10am by Sergeant Damien Deegan. She said Mr Locke replied “no” to the charge.

Mr Locke’s solicitor, Mark Quinn, applied for and was granted legal aid.

Judge Halpin told Mr Locke: “Mr Locke, the legislature recognises murder as a most serious offence.

“The law states that all bail applications in such cases should be made before the High Court.”

Mr Quinn asked Judge Halpin to make an order granting his client access to medication.

Judge Halpin asked if Mr Locke required medical attention.

Mr Quinn said he might.

Garda Brogan applied for a remand in custody.

Judge Halpin made an order that Mr Locke is to receive medication and medical attention if it is required.

The judge remanded Mr Locke in custody.

He will appear before Cloverhill District Court on February 25.