In this case life should mean life - Graham Dwyer sentencing

THE trial and conviction of Graham Dwyer for the sadistic, almost satanic, murder of Elaine O’Hara transfixed and shocked this society.

The depth of the depravity revealed, the relentless calculation and the self-centred and lethal delusion that drove Dwyer’s evil fantasies were chilling even in a world almost inured to casual, loveless sexual brutality.

Dwyer’s psychological, emotional and sexual exploitation, and torture of a vulnerable and intelligent young woman — he sent Ms O’Hara more than 2,600 text messages — showed a disregard for a fellow human being that is, even in an age too often indifferent to violence, unnerving, disturbing and plainly frightening. That it was carried out by a man who calmly led a double life as a husband, father, son, architect and a model plane enthusiast makes it even more so.