Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A minimum of 24 years in jail has been sentenced to a man found guilty of the murder of Damien Heagney. Mr. Heagney, a resident of Cookstown in County Tyrone, was last seen alive in late December 2021. His remains, partially dismembered, were discovered in Cappagh Reservoir in July 2022, a month after his disappearance was reported. Following a three-week trial in April, Stephen McCourt, aged 41 and from Riverview in Augher, was convicted of Mr. Heagney’s murder, as well as the dismemberment and disposal of his body.
During a tariff hearing at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Mr. Justice Stephen Fowler stated that he was convinced to the necessary standard that Mr. Heagney’s death resulted from a “vicious attack with a knife, including numerous blows to the head.” He described the incident as a “murderous attack” and believed that the dismemberment and disposal of the body were intended to hide the murder. The judge characterized it as a case of “high culpability.”
The Heagney family released a statement indicating the agonizing experience they have endured in the past few years. Expressing their profound grief over Damien’s cruel murder and the subsequent appalling actions, they revealed the haunting effect it has had on them. They acknowledged the support and assistance provided by witnesses during the trial, along with expressing gratitude towards the jury and the investigative team involved.
Following the case, Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson remarked on the disturbing nature of Mr. Heagney’s murder, highlighting possible stab wounds found during the post-mortem examination. She condemned the senseless loss of life and the brutality of the actions taken subsequent to the murder. McCourt was finally held accountable for his deeds, providing some closure to Mr. Heagney’s family, who have displayed remarkable dignity and resilience throughout the ordeal. The Public Prosecution Service’s serious crime unit praised the cooperation between law enforcement and the prosecution team in building a strong circumstantial case against McCourt, ensuring justice for Damien Heagney
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.