The jury accepted the prosecution’s case that all of the evidence pointed to the “inescapable conclusion” that Mrs Sheehan, a mother of three, died at Long’s hands. Mr Delaney also told the court that all of the physical exhibits in the case, amounting to more than 300 items, had been lost over the years, describing how this occurred as “a mystery”. Long had initially been charged with murder in 1981, Mr Delaney said, before the charge was dropped. While a DNA breakthrough occurred in 2008, Mr Delaney said “nothing of substance” was achieved thereafter. “If the delay in this case isn’t sufficient to presume prejudice then I say what is?” said Mr Delaney.

Source: Irish Examiner February 17, 2026 23:38 UTC