Elaine O’Hara: Coercion and Control

2026-05-12

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Elaine O’Hara disappeared from her Dublin home in 2012, at the age of 36. She left behind no trace. Her family struggled to understand what had happened to their bright and friendly sister and daughter.One year later, a woman walking in the woods of Dublin discovered Elaine’s remains. As Gardai began to piece together her final moments and days they saw traces of a dark and sinister side to Elaine’s disappearance and death.The mission to find out what happened to Elaine became a complex and brutal garda inves...

One year later, a woman walking in the woods of Dublin discovered Elaine’s remains. As Gardai began to piece together her final moments and days they saw traces of a dark and sinister side to Elaine’s disappearance and death.

The mission to find out what happened to Elaine became a complex and brutal garda investigation. A meticulous investigation would lead them to one of the country's most disturbing and shocking cases, and to one of the most high-profile trials in Irish history.

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry John Sweetman revisits a chilling murder that brought a dark subculture of violent sadomasochism into public consciousness.

Presented by John Sweetman

Created by Darren Cleary

Episode Written by Anna Priestland

Script Edited by Darren Cleary

Produced by Siobhan Walsh

Produced by Siobhán Maguire

Executive Produced by Eoin Brennan

Executive Produced by Ruth Fitzsimons

Sound Design and Editing by Neil Kavanagh

Audio Editing Support by Ed Smith

Marketing Support by Laura Bracken and Róisín Reilly

Social Support by Mark Hayes and Robyn Ree