Social worker says 89‑year‑old became nervous when accused’s name was mentioned

A social worker testified on Thursday that 89‑year‑old Josephine “Josie” Ray became anxious whenever the name of her alleged murderer was raised in conversation.

Ray was found allegedly strangled and smothered with more than 40 bruises at her home in St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, on 4 August 2024. The man charged, 52‑year‑old Hasan Ali Gori, has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick.

Gori, an African national, was living with Ray and was in a relationship with her daughter Mary Ray, who has an intellectual disability. Neighbours and family described the relationship between Ray, Mary and Gori as volatile, with frequent arguments.

Social worker Sharlene Hegarty, who visited Ray five times while she was recuperating at her other daughter Sarah’s house, told the court that mentioning Gori’s name made Ray “very nervous”. Hegarty said she was concerned for Ray, who had expressed a wish not to return home, and that she would have sought a nursing‑home placement if she had statutory power.

Ray returned home after Mary called, saying she and Gori were arguing. Gardai were called the night before Ray’s death after neighbours reported shouting. The state pathologist reported 44 bruises and fractures to the neck, concluding death by strangulation and smothering. Forensic evidence showed male DNA on Ray’s hand and fingernails was far more likely to belong to Gori, though the expert noted possible transfer in a shared household.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: K / Pexels.