Ireland Crime

Feature article published after Gori's conviction, recounting his post-arrest interview in which he denied involvement, and contrasting those claims with trial evidence including his DNA under the victim's fingernails, forensic injuries, and witness testimony about the night before the killing. Confirms Gori is now serving a sentence at Limerick Prison.

Details the sentencing hearing: the 11-1 majority verdict after 8 hours 52 minutes of deliberation over four days, the back-dated life sentence imposed by Mr Justice Seán Gillane, the victim impact statement read by granddaughter Rosie O'Brien, and additional trial evidence including DNA under the victim's fingernails, a three-hour audio recording, and 186 investigation statements.

Reports the sentencing to life imprisonment, the 11-1 guilty verdict after a three-week trial, the prosecution case, forensic evidence, family reaction, and investigation details including 186 witness statements.

Reports the guilty verdict (11-1 majority) and mandatory life sentence, plus detailed trial evidence including 40+ injuries, two broken neck bones, DNA evidence, ten Gardaí visits in 2024, social worker testimony, council tenancy issues, and the family's victim impact statement.

Provides a detailed account of the trial at Central Criminal Court, Limerick, including the 11-to-1 jury verdict after almost nine hours of deliberation, the evidence presented (DNA under fingernails, audio recording of Gori saying 'Murder her', witness testimony), the relationship dynamics and housing dispute, and Gori's background as a Chadian national who arrived in Ireland in 2012.

Reports the guilty verdict delivered on 10 November 2026, including jury composition (nine men, three women), 11-to-1 majority verdict after eight hours and 52 minutes of deliberations, presiding judge Mr Justice Seán Gillane, prosecution led by SC Lorcan Connolly, and trial details including the State Pathologist's findings of approximately 40 injuries.

Reports the guilty verdict (11-1 majority) after a three-week trial, the pathologist's evidence of strangulation and smothering with 44 bruises and two broken neck bones, Gori's DNA under the victim's fingernails, prosecution and defence closing arguments, and the expectation of a mandatory life sentence.

Reports the jury verdict (11-1 majority) after a three-week trial, trial evidence including pathologist findings of 44 bruises and two broken neck bones, Gori's DNA under the victim's fingernails, prosecution and defence closing arguments, and the expectation of a mandatory life sentence.

Reports the 11-1 majority jury verdict, details of the three-week trial including pathologist evidence of strangulation and smothering with 44 bruises and two broken neck bones, Gori's DNA under the victim's fingernails, prosecution and defence closing arguments, and that Justice Gillane will pass the mandatory life sentence.

Reports the guilty verdict from the three-week Central Criminal Court jury trial, including pathologist evidence of strangulation and smothering, 44 bruises, two broken neck bones, Gori's DNA under the victim's fingernails, and the expected mandatory life sentence.

Extensive feature covering the 10 Garda calls in 2024, interventions by Tipperary County Council and social workers, the prosecution's case including DNA evidence under the victim's fingernails, witness testimony about Gori's indifference, and his conviction at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick.

Jury returns guilty verdict; trial judge accepts majority 10/2 or 11/1 verdict.

Jury deliberations suspended after six hours and 41 minutes on the third day; no unanimous verdict reached; adjourned to Tuesday 11am. Presiding judge identified as Mr Justice Seán Gillane. Court identified as Central Criminal Court in Limerick. Jury composition (nine men, three women) and start date (Wednesday) confirmed.

Details of closing addresses by prosecution counsel Lorcan Connolly and defence counsel Aidan Doyle, pathologist evidence of strangulation and smothering with 44 bruises and two broken neck bones, DNA evidence under the victim's fingernails, the defence's alternative theory pointing to Mary Ray, and the jury resuming deliberations at 11am the following day.

Details of closing addresses by prosecution (Lorcan Connolly) and defence (Aidan Doyle), pathologist evidence on 44 bruises and two broken neck bones, Gori's DNA under victim's fingernails, background on the household dispute, and jury deliberation status.

The jury of three men and nine women retired on Wednesday at 3pm but did not deliberate on Thursday as one juror was unavailable. After nearly four hours of deliberations on Friday, they confirmed they had not reached a unanimous verdict. Mr Justice Sean Gillane adjourned the case until Monday afternoon, urging jurors to conduct a forensic examination of the evidence and apply common sense.

Jury deliberations adjourned for the weekend after four hours and 46 minutes; the three-week trial at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick is ongoing; Gori denied the charge; jury to resume at 2pm Monday.

Details the closing addresses of both prosecution and defence, the pathologist's findings (strangulation, smothering, 44 bruises, two broken neck bones), DNA evidence under the victim's fingernails, the jury retiring after one hour of deliberation, and the defence's alternative theory pointing to Mary Ray.

Reports the jury beginning deliberations after closing arguments, with details of prosecution and defence submissions, the judge's charge, and the jury's composition and schedule.

Reports that jury deliberations adjourned without a verdict on 4 November 2026, with resumption scheduled for Friday morning. Details the judge's summing up, the prosecution's case including DNA evidence under the victim's fingernails, and the accused's living arrangements with the victim's daughter.

Reports the jury retiring to deliberate after three weeks of evidence, including pathologist testimony of 44 bruises and two broken neck bones, DNA evidence on the victim's hand and under her fingernails, prosecution closing address on motive and opportunity, and the defence's alternative theory pointing to Mary Ray.

Closing addresses by both prosecution and defence, and the start of the jury charge by Mr Justice Sean Gillane at the Central Criminal Court, Limerick.

Reports on interpreter evidence at the closing stages of the trial, including the translation of the Hausa word 'ba' from an audio recording, the prosecution's allegation that the accused said 'murder her', and the defence's claim that he said 'murder ba'.

Prosecution closing speech: Josie Ray suffered two broken neck bones and 44 bruises; Gori's DNA found on her right hand and under her fingernails; prosecution argued motive (illegal tenancy, added to disability allowance) and opportunity; defence closing speech by SC Aiden Doyle to follow before jury deliberation.

Reports on trial evidence: a Hausa translator (Ibrahim Abdullah Mohammed) testified that 'ba' is a West African interjection meaning 'really?' or 'is that so?', and that the jury was shown 3.5 hours of audio from the accused's phone and a video of his July 2025 garda interview in which he denied saying 'murder her'.

Trial evidence from garda interviews heard at Central Criminal Court, Limerick; Gori's DNA found on forensic samples; details of household dynamics, financial arrangements, and the night before the death.

Trial evidence presented: gardaí welfare check in March 2024 at 79 and 91 St Joseph's Park, Ali Gori's 'dead body' remark, social welfare visit by Inspector Tony Kenny, and an audio recording of a family argument between Mary Ray and her sister Frances played to the jury.

Reports gardaí evidence of a March 2024 visit where Gori was told to leave the house, his reply that the only way he leaves is as a dead body, and an audio recording of Mary Ray and her sister Frances played to the jury the night before the murder.

Trial coverage from Limerick Post: prosecution audio evidence with the alleged “murder her” comment, pathologist evidence that Josie Ray died of strangulation and smothering, a forensic DNA finding, and the accused's denials. The trial continues on Monday, so there is no verdict yet.

Reports on the trial, which is under way. Clips from audio recorded on the night of 3 August 2024 were played to the jury. The accused denies saying "murder her" and does not recall the recording. The judge said deliberations could begin the following week and the trial resumes on 2 November.

Trial evidence on the second day: Gori denies choking Josie Ray and denies telling Mary Ray to “murder her”; a pathologist gave cause of death; DNA was found on swabs from the victim’s hand and fingernails, which a forensic scientist said “may not be significant”.

Trial evidence presented to the jury including three-and-a-half hours of audio on Gori's phone, a video of his garda interview at Nenagh Garda Station in July 2025, and neighbour statements. Gori denies saying 'murder her' (insisting he said 'murder ba'), denies choking Josie Ray, and says he never entered her bedroom. Trial expected to conclude the following week.

Reports testimony from social worker Sharlene Hegarty, State Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCartney, and forensic scientist Dr Stephen Clifford at the ongoing Central Criminal Court trial in Limerick.

Reports evidence heard at the trial including social worker testimony about concerns for Josephine Ray's wellbeing, her grandson's complaint about a fall, and a three-hour audio recording found on the accused's phone from the evening before her death.

Reports on trial evidence: social worker Sharlene Hegarty testified about Josie Ray's anxiety around Gori and Mary Ray's intellectual disability; State Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCartney confirmed 44 bruises and neck fractures; forensic scientist Dr Stephen Clifford gave DNA evidence on Ray's fingernails.

Adds trial evidence: a social worker's testimony about Ms Ray's fear of the accused, the prosecution's account, a garda witness on the accused's statement, and the accused's not-guilty plea.

Reports the second week of the trial: evidence that Tipperary County Council contacted Ms Ray in April 2024 and later sent a letter about an alleged illegal occupancy, garda evidence of a domestic disturbance the night before she was found dead, neighbour evidence of an alleged threat, and prosecution evidence including DNA on the victim's fingernails. The accused has pleaded not guilty.

Reports on the trial of Hasan Ali Gori, including the post-mortem evidence, the pathologist's findings on the cause of death, DNA evidence, and the accused's plea of not guilty. The trial continues.

Reports pathologist and forensic DNA evidence given at the ongoing murder trial of Hasan Ali Gori for the death of Josephine Ray.

Trial evidence about council tenancy concerns raised in April 2024, letters sent to Ray about unauthorised occupancy, and a domestic disturbance call at the house on the evening of 3 August 2024, the day before the murder.

First week of trial testimony: witnesses Louise Walsh and Charlotte Moran described events on 2–3 August 2024, including an argument between the accused and Mary Ray, Ms Ray's distress and panic attack, the alleged headbutting of Mary Ray, and the accused's alleged statement 'no one will murder me'. Defence challenged the headbutting and the statement. Trial before Mr Justice Seán Gillane at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick, resumes 27 October 2026.

Trial evidence heard on Friday including witness Charlotte Moran's account of Gori headbutting and shoving Mary Ray the night before the killing, Gori shouting 'No one will murder me' four times, and two grandchildren testifying they had contacted gardaí, social workers and their local authority about welfare concerns before Josie Ray's death.

Neighbour testimony about daily arguments, the accused's statement that either he or Josie had to leave, a red mark on the victim's face, a Snapchat recording of shouting, and DNA evidence under the victim's fingernails matching the accused.

Neighbour testimony about daily arguments, Ali Gori's statement to Mary Ray the night before the murder, a red mark on Josie Ray's face two weeks before her death, and a Snapchat recording of shouting played to the court.

Neighbours Mark McGee, Ian Donellan and Gemma Donellan gave evidence about arguments at the home, a July 2024 incident reported to Gardaí, and Gori's remarks to Mary Ray on the morning of the death.

Court heard testimony from grandchildren Rosie O'Brien and Daniel O'Brien, and daughters Sarah Ray and Carmel Ray, about safety concerns, arguments, and the household dynamics in the months before Josie Ray's death, including a phone call to gardaí on the night before she was found dead.

Trial evidence from Frances Ray about regular arguments in the household, the prosecution's case that Ali Gori suffocated and strangled Josie Ray after a row, details about the accused's relationship with Mary Ray, and the court's finding that Josie Ray was fully independent and in good health before her death.

Trial opened at Central Criminal Court, Limerick; prosecution outlined circumstantial case including DNA on victim's fingernails, asphyxiation by external compression, and motive; victim's grandson Samuel Abuchie gave evidence of finding the body at around noon; trial set to continue the following day.

Trial opened at the Central Criminal Court, Limerick, on 19 October 2026. Prosecution outlined circumstantial case based on DNA on victim's fingernails, inward fractures from neck compression, and the accused's motive and opportunity. First prosecution witness, Samuel Abuchie (victim's grandson), gave evidence of finding the body. Trial continues the following day.

Trial opened with prosecution opening statement detailing cause of death (asphyxiation by external compression of neck), inward fractures, DNA on victim's fingernails, the accused's motive and opportunity, the volatile household dynamic, and testimony from grandson Samuel Abuchie who found the body around noon on 4 August 2024.

Opening of murder trial; prosecution opening statement delivered; accused pleaded not guilty; trial expected to last four weeks.

Reports Gori's charge with murder, his first appearance at Nenagh District Court, the DPP's direction for trial before the Central Criminal Court, and his remand in custody at Portlaoise Prison.

Reports that Hasan Al Gori was charged with murder on 17 October 2025 at Nenagh District Court, remanded in custody, and that the case was adjourned for a book of evidence. Gives the arresting detective's account of the charge and the accused's response.

Reports Gori's charging at Nenagh District Court on 17 October 2025, his remand in custody at Portlaoise Prison, the DPP's direction for trial on indictment at the Central Criminal Court, his solicitor's successful application for free legal aid, and the next appearance on 23 October for service of the State's Book of Evidence.

Reports that Hasan Ali Gori has been charged with the murder of Josephine Ray and remanded in custody. Adds the charge, the remand and the court date.

Reports that Gori has been formally charged with murder and is due to appear at Nenagh District Court. Adds background on his prior arrests, release without charge, time in a tent with Mary Ray, his September 2025 six-month sentence for assaulting two Gardaí, and incidents in prison including biting officers and being assaulted and taken to ICU.

Reports that Gori has been formally charged with murder and is due to appear before Nenagh District Court on 17 October 2025. Also details his recent six-month sentence for assaulting two gardaí in Nenagh in March 2024, his hospitalisation in ICU after being assaulted in prison, and his return to Portlaoise Prison.

Reports that a man in his 50s has been charged over the death of a woman found at St Joseph's Park, Nenagh, on 4 August 2024, and that he is due before Nenagh District Court on Friday 17 October 2025 at 10:30am. The article says more to follow.

Details the Garda investigation into the alleged assault on Hasan Ali Gori at Portlaoise Prison, his serious injuries including a collapsed lung, the separate IPS investigation into his alleged attack on three officers, and confirms the murder file is with the DPP pending a charging decision.

Adds details of Gori's hospitalisation with a punctured lung after an alleged prison assault, his placement in solitary confinement at Portlaoise Prison, his six-month sentence for assaulting two gardaí in Nenagh on 30 March 2024, and Mary Ray's account of finding her mother dead.

Provides details on the alleged prison assault, including that Gori was transferred from Limerick Prison where he was accused of biting officers, that the Irish Prison Service launched an internal investigation and referred the matter to gardaí, and that Gori was jailed on 10 September 2025 for assaulting two gardaí with a 1.5 litre glass bottle in Nenagh on 30 March 2024.

Re-arrest of Hassan Ali Gori on the foot of new evidence, his denial of the murder, his account of the night of the killing, and the current living situation of him and Mary Ray in a tent outside Limerick.

Adds that a man in his 50s was re-arrested in Limerick City on 3 July 2025 and released without charge on 4 July 2025, that a file has gone to the DPP, and that the Garda investigation is ongoing. Also states the victim was assaulted and strangled, according to what is understood.

Update on an earlier arrest: the man arrested on 3 July 2025 was released without charge on 4 July 2025 and a file will go to the DPP.

Reports that Hasan Ali Gori was re-arrested today in Limerick City and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Adds that Gori and Mary Ray have been living rough at wetlands in Limerick City and that both deny involvement.

Original report of the arrest of a man in his 50s over the death of a woman whose body was found in St Joseph's Park, Nenagh, on 4 August 2024. No existing case in the list matches this incident.

Confirms the arrest of a man in his 50s, provides details on the investigation (Garda National Technical Bureau, senior investigating officer, family liaison officer), and includes tributes from local councillor Seamie Morris and neighbour Michael O'Brien. Notes Ms Ray was a native of Carney, 15km north of Nenagh, and was survived by daughters Sarah, Frances, Mary and Carmel.

Reports the arrest of a man in his 50s on 3 July 2025 in the ongoing murder investigation; confirms he is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Reports the arrest of an unnamed man in his 50s in the Josie Ray investigation. Does not name him or say he has been charged.

Feature on the suspects' living conditions and their denials. They were arrested on the day of the victim's funeral and released without charge. Gardaí say a file is to go to the DPP. The article also reports threats and an assault on Hasan Ali Gori after his release.

Reports on the living conditions of the murder suspects, who claim they are living in a tent in Limerick City after being attacked by locals, and confirms the investigation file is being prepared for the DPP.

Adds details on the suspects' living situation (tent), their claims of being attacked in the street, Hassan's account of the morning (door open, did not enter the room), confirmation that they were released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP, and details from Josephine Ray's funeral.

Mary Ray says she is too afraid to return to the house. Mary Ray and Hasan Ali Gori were arrested and released without charge, both deny involvement, and a file is being prepared for the DPP. The person or persons responsible remain at large.