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Clare farmer jailed for life for murder of student Eoin Ryan loses appeal

Summary

Joe Heffernan, a 35‑year‑old farmer from Cappagh Beg, Barefield, Ennis, was convicted of murdering 21‑year‑old student Eoin Ryan in 2011 and sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy on 3 July 2013. The murder was discovered when Ryan's body was found in a barrel on Heffernan's farm on 7 June 2011. During the trial, two 999 calls were played to the jury, with transcripts provided. Heffernan had pleaded not guilty and later appealed, arguing that the prosecution should have proved he was not suffering from a mental disorder and did not have diminished responsibility. Mr Justice John Edwards, sitting with Mr Justice Seán Ryan and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, dismissed the appeal, holding that the burden of proof for the partial defence of diminished responsibility lies with the defence and is the same as for the insanity defence, i.e., proof on the balance of probabilities.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Clare farmer jailed for life for murder of student Eoin Ryan loses appeal. Charges or matters: the murder of Eoin Ryan, whose body was found in a barrel on Heffernan's farm at Cappagh Beg on June 7 2011. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• June 7 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 3, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-12-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Farmer who murdered student appeals conviction claiming prosecution ought to have proved he did not have diminished responsibility

Read the original CNI report