Courts / Tipperary / Report
Garda "unhappy" with recollection after TV news broadcast, Moonlight murder trial hears
Summary
During the trial of Patrick Quirke for the murder of DJ Bobby Ryan, Garda Tom Finnane testified that he had become "unhappy" with his earlier belief about where Ryan's body was found after watching a television news broadcast. Finnane, who had participated in the 2011 search at Fawnagowan farm, had originally thought the body was located in an open slurry pit behind a shed. The broadcast showed the body had been recovered from an underground waste‑water tank in a different area. Finnane confirmed that he had seen an aerial photograph of the farm that clarified the correct location, noting the presence of ten to fifteen round hay bales covered in black plastic. He stated he had not discussed his evidence with anyone else and that the photograph had helped him reassess his recollection. The trial, presided over by Justice Eileen Creedon, continues with a jury of twelve. Patrick Quirke pleaded not guilty. Tom Finnane pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda "unhappy" with recollection after TV news broadcast, Moonlight murder trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ going by the name Mr Moonlight, on a date between June 3, 2011 and April 2013. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 3, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 7 2011 Other
- 2019-02-12 Publication
Why: He told Mr Condon that he asked to see the photograph because he was not happy with what he previously thought was the location of where the body was found. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ going by the name Mr Moonlight, on a date between June 3, 2011 and April 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ going by the name Mr Moonlight, on a date between June 3, 2011 and April 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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