Dwyer to be given life sentence today

Graham Dwyer is to be sentenced to life imprisonment later today for stabbing to death Dublin childcare worker Elaine O'Hara.

The Cork-born architect with an address at Kerrymount Close, Foxrock was convicted of her murder last month.

Murder carries a mandatory life term, so that is the only option open to Mr Justice Tony Hunt at Graham Dwyer's sentencing this afternoon.

However, today's hearing serves another purpose, it gives Elaine O'Hara's family an opportunity to relate the impact her horrific death has had on their lives.

The jury heard evidence the 36-year-old childcare worker was engaged in a predatory BDSM relationship with the architect who stabbed her to death at Killakee mountain in 2013 for sexual gratification.

As a remand prisoner 42-year-old Dwyer has been held at Cloverhill Prison up until now.

A life sentence means he will be eligible for release after seven years, but on average a life sentence means a prisoner serves 18 years and could serve many more.