Jury begins deliberations in trial of man accused of murdering Tipperary grandmother

The jury in the trial Hasan Ali Gori, who is accused of murdering grandmother Josephine’ Josie’ Ray has begun its deliberations.

Before they retired at 3pm this Wednesday, the jurors heard closing arguments from both the prosecuting and defence counsels. They also heard from the presiding judge, Mr Justice Sean Gillane.

In his closing argument, Lorcan Connolly SC outlined how the prosecution case “is a case involving circumstantial evidence” adding how no one actually saw the fatal act.

The accused, Mr Ali Gori, is accused of murdering Josephine Ray at her home in 91 St Joseph’s Park on August 4, 2024.

The case of the prosecution is that the accused strangled and smothered the victim in her home, he is pleading not guilty.

Mr Connolly reminded the jury how they have heard from a “myriad” of family members and neighbors of Josephine Ray throughout the trial.

The prosecution noted the conflict and arguments that took place in 91 St Joseph's Park since the arrival of Mr Ali Gori, who was in a relationship with the victim's daughter, who has an intellectual disability.

“Undoubtedly Josie was able to use some choice language, maybe she was from a different era and had racist undertones", stated Mr Connolly.

He went on to describe Ms Ray as a “formidable 89-year-old” and how Josephine and her daughter Mary were like “a double act” and always together.

The jury heard how the accused had a motive and opportunity to commit the crime, noting how he was in risk of losing his place at 91 St Joseph’s Park as Ms Ray wanted him out of the house. “His accommodation was on the line” added Mr Connolly.

DNA evidence was another aspect the prosecution raised stating how the DNA match of the accused found under the nails of the victim is significant when viewed alongside all the other evidence.

Mr Connolly reiterated evidence of Ms Ray’s injuries which were outlined by State Pathologist, Yvonne McCartney earlier in the trial. He noted how the pensioner was in “ moderate good health for someone of her vintage” and stated that “she did not go down without a fight”.

Mr Connolly finished his closing argument calling on the jury to consider everything they had heard and emphasised to them how “the only appropriate verdict is guilty”.

Defence case

The jury heard closing arguments from Senior Counsel Aidan Doyle, representing the defendant. He highlighted the findings of forensic scientist, Stephen Clifford, who noted in his evidence that the DNA found under the finger nails of the victim “may not be significant” as he lived in the same house as Josephine.

Mr Doyle also stated the audio recording where Mr Ali Gori is allegedly heard saying “murder her” whilst in an argument with Mary Ray is “ridiculous”.

The accused claims that he did not say “murder her” but instead said “murder ba” in the audio recordings, which is a word from the Hausa language spoken in countries on the west coast of Africa including Chad, where the accused originates from.

The English language translation for the word is “really” which was told to the jury when Mr Ali Gori’s translator took to the witness box to explain the term.

The defence counsel highlighted how Mary was “absolutely consumed by jealousy” and described the relationship between Mr Ali Gori and Mary Ray as “absolutely toxic” and a "broken-down relationship”.

Mr Doyle raised the question of why Mary Ray was never presented as a prosecution witness during the trial.

The barrister suggested an alternative, and asked: “How do the Guards know Mary didn’t do this?” He also questioned why she (Mary Ray) was dropped from the garda investigation.

Mr Doyle highlighted how there is a whole framework in the legal system for people with learning disabilities to give evidence in court.

The defence barrister concluded by emphasising how it is not on the the defence to prove that Mary murdered Josephine but urges the jury that “if you think that it is even possible, than you must acquit"

Judge’s charge

In his charge to the jury, Mr Justice Seán Gillane gave the jury what he described as a “headline summary” of the evidence given to the court.

He described the death of Josephine Ray as a “violent attack” as he summarised the evidence relating to the injuries sustained by the victim. The injuries sustained by Ms Ray were outlined by State Pathologist Yvonne McCartney who gave evidence of the post mortem earlier in the trial.

Mr Justice Gillane also reminded the jury that the background evidence they heard throughout the case was there to allow them to gain an understanding of the case and he asked the jury to put aside any views they may have in relation to how people who were involved in the case, lived their lives.

The presiding judge told the jury how it was clear that 91 St Joseph’s Park “wasn’t Downton Abbey, but real people living real lives, with all their bags and baggage”.

Mr Justice Seán Gillane urged the jury to conduct a forensic examination of the evidence they heard and to “apply common sense” when deciding on a verdict.

The jury of three women and nine men formally began their deliberations at 3pm this Wednesday. They jurors returned to court around an hour later and will resume their deliberations on Friday November morning.