Courts / Cork / Report
Jury to continue deliberating in historic 1981 murder trial
Summary
A jury of eleven returned to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberating a cold‑case murder trial involving Noel Long, 74, of Passage West, Cork. Long is charged with the murder of 54‑year‑old Nora Sheehan, whose body was found in Shippool Woods in 1981. The jury had spent 4 hours 44 minutes on their first day of deliberations and was instructed by Judge Paul McDermott to resume at 10.30 am the next day. The prosecution's case, presented by Brendan Grehan SC, relied on forensic evidence, including a partial DNA profile from semen on Sheehan's body that matched DNA on clothing taken from Long in 2021, fibres from the victim's carpet that matched those from Long's car, and paint fragments that matched the same vehicle. The defence, led by Michael Delaney SC, argued that the evidence was solely forensic and did not establish intent, suggesting a possible manslaughter verdict. Noel Long pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury to continue deliberating in historic 1981 murder trial. 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 Other
- June 12, 1981 Other
- 2023-08-03 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
Topics
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