File photograph: Getty ImagesA murder accused has told a prosecution barrister it is “100 per cent coincidental” that a few hours before he fatally stabbed his friend in the neck, he could be heard threatening to do so. He said he’s going to come back with lads.”Lawlor described Ryan as a “capable and dangerous” man and said he took the threat of grenades being thrown through his door seriously. He accepted that he stabbed Ryan in the neck, causing his death, but said he had no intention to cause him harm. He described Ryan as his friend and accepted that in Garda interviews, he described the deceased as a “lovely man”. Lawlor described these as “little arguments” and said he repeatedly asked Ryan to leave, but he refused.

Source: The Irish Times February 14, 2026 14:40 UTC