Courts / Cork / Report
Pathologist in cold case murder trial died weeks after examination
Summary
In a cold‑case murder trial, the accused, Noel Long, 74, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 54‑year‑old Nora Sheehan, whose body was found in Shippool Woods, Cork, in 1981. The pathologist, Dr Robert Dermot Coakley, who performed the post‑mortem, died on 5 August 1981, weeks after the examination. Coakley testified that he visited the woods on 12 June 1981, saw the body, and began the post‑mortem that evening. He described the body's condition, including bruising, scratches, and the presence of spermatozoa. Witnesses, including Joan Holland and retired Garda officers, gave testimony about Sheehan's movements and the alleged involvement of Long. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. The case remains at the trial stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pathologist in cold case murder trial died weeks after examination. Charges or matters: murdering 54-year-old Nora Sheehan between June 6 and June 12, 1981 at an unknown place within the State. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 12, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 5, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 6 1981 Incident
- June 9, 1981 Other
- June 9 Incident
- June 16, 1981 Incident
- June 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-07-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering 54-year-old Nora Sheehan between June 6 and June 12, 1981 at an unknown place within the State (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Albert Road
- South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital
- he was in Togher Garda Station
- drive to the Bridewell Garda Station
- he attended the Bridewell Garda Station
- Curraheen Road
- Cork
Topics
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