Dwyer intended to murder Elaine O’Hara, prosecution says

Graham Dwyer murdered Elaine O'Hara for the purpose of satisfying his "deep-seated sexual desire", a jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard.

In a three-hour closing statement, to be completed today, Seán Guerin SC, for the prosecution, said he would connect Mr Dwyer to Ms O’Hara’s disappearance. He said he would also show Mr Dwyer not only had the desire, but the intention of murdering Ms O’Hara by stabbing, and he would show the circumstances reflected “almost point for point” a detailed plan the accused had elaborated.

Mr Dwyer (42), an architect from Kerrymount Close, Foxrock, Dublin, is charged with murdering Ms O’Hara (36), on August 22nd, 2012.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Mr Guerin said Ms O’Hara had the misfortune to be in a situation where she had been amenable to being brought along as part of the defendant’s plan to kill her, and her circumstances had enabled him to exploit her for the purpose he had in mind.

All of the pieces started to fall into place for Mr Dwyer in late August, 2012, Mr Guerin said.

Ms O’Hara was at a weak point and had been in hospital for the first time in years and it was all the more likely her loved ones would believe she had a desire to end her life.

He alleged the defendant had murdered Ms O’Hara by stabbing, having arranged to lure or bring her up the mountains for that purpose.

Texts were outlined to the jury that Mr Guerin alleged came from Mr Dwyer.

He said the accused used Ms O’Hara’s low self-worth against her.

All Ms O’Hara was looking for was “not to be stabbed”, “not to be beaten”, Mr Guerin said, she wanted “nothing other than companionship, love and ultimately a child”.