Patrick Quirke's murder appeal heard DPP argument

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Patrick Quirke’s appeal against his murder conviction was heard in the Court of Appeal, reported on 15 October 2020. The DPP argued evidence about his behaviour towards Mary Lowry was necessary to explain the prosecution case.

Quirke was convicted of murdering DJ Bobby Ryan at Fawnagowan, Co Tipperary, after Ryan disappeared in 2011 and his body was found in 2013. The defence argued that evidence about Quirke’s relationship with Ms Lowry, the search warrant and computer evidence had unfairly affected the trial.

The DPP disputed those arguments, saying the evidence was relevant to the alleged motive and to the prosecution case about the discovery of Ryan’s body. Further submissions were due to continue on Friday.