Courts / Tipperary / Report

No evidence of serious assault in Lowry home, scientist tells Moonlight trial

Date
2019-02-26

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tipperary

Summary

The trial of Patrick Quirke (50) and Hilary Clarke, both accused of the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ known as Mr Moonlight, continued before Justice Eileen Creedon. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder. Forensic scientist Dr Martina McBride testified that she found no evidence of a serious assault in Mary Lowry's home, the last location where Mr Ryan was seen alive. Although initial tests indicated presumptive positive results for blood, further analysis revealed these were likely fly faeces or other non-human substances. McBride noted that while she expected significant blood loss given the injuries to Mr Ryan, the absence of evidence may be due to the passage of time and the house being painted. A small DNA spot was found but could not be identified as blood or attributed to a specific individual. Dr Hilary Clarke confirmed the identity of the body found in a farm tank by matching DNA from a tooth with that of Mr Ryan's children. She also examined two lump hammers, finding male DNA on one handle, but successfully eliminated Mr Ryan, his son, and Quirke as the source. The trial is ongoing, with the matter not yet finalised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: No evidence of serious assault in Lowry home, scientist tells Moonlight trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ going by the name Mr Moonlight. Procedural stage: trial

When: