Courts / Tipperary / Report
Quirke trial jury may return majority verdict
Summary
Patrick Quirke, a 50‑year‑old farmer from Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, stands accused of murdering Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr. Moonlight, who vanished on 3 June 2011 after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home. Ryan's body was discovered in an underground run‑off tank on Lowry's farm, leased by Quirke, on 30 April 2013. The trial, lasting 13 weeks with five days of closing arguments, has seen a jury of six men and six women deliberate for 18 hours and 24 minutes. Justice Eileen Creedon explained that a majority verdict requires at least ten votes in favour; otherwise the jury may write "disagree" on the issue paper. Quirke has pleaded not guilty, while the prosecution alleges he killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry. The defence contends the prosecution has not proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and seeks Quirke's acquittal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Quirke trial jury may return majority verdict. Charges or matters: the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ going by the name Mr Moonlight. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 3, 2011 Other
- April 30, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-05-01 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part-time DJ going by the name Mr Moonlight (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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