Forensic anthropologist "doubtful" that Ryan fracture caused by falling concrete

A forensic anthropologist giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court has expressed doubt that a fractured femur found on the remains of Bobby Ryan could have resulted from concrete debris falling during the body's removal from a tank. Dr Rene Gapert, examining bones retrieved from an underground run-off tank on a farm at Fawnagown, County Tipperary, identified human and animal remains among the fragments. He told the court the femur, being the body's strongest bone, was unlikely to have sustained such an injury from the falling concrete when gardaí used a digger to remove a slab covering the tank. Mr Ryan's body was discovered in April 2013, approximately 22 months after he went missing in June 2011. Patrick Quirke, aged 50, of Breanshamore, County Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty to his murder. The trial, before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury, continues.