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Witness Says He Saw 'Little Black Gun' as Ruth Lawrence Murder Trial Continues

Prosecutors outline a drug-debt motive supported by fresh testimony about alleged weapon possession.

Overview

  • Testifying via video-link, Jason Symes told the jury he was terrified of Ruth Lawrence and said he saw her carry a small black gun tucked into her waistband.
  • Symes described being coerced, said he and his daughter were "bundled" into cars, and recounted leaving Ireland after being told someone knew where his youngest daughter lived.
  • He said he heard talk of a headlock and a twist and testified that Lawrence said she had done something before Neville van der Westhuizen "took over."
  • A day earlier, Stacey Symes testified that Lawrence told her she had shot Eoin O'Connor but that it "went wrong," adding that Neville murdered both men; the defence disputed her account.
  • The State argues Neville owed O'Connor about €70,000 and that Lawrence acted with him, citing the victims later found bound and covered on Inchicup Island, while the trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury.