Jury in Damien Heagney murder trial discharged

Image source, family Handout

The jury sitting on the trial of the man accused of murdering Damien Heagney has been discharged by a senior judge.

The remains of 47-year-old Mr Heagney were recovered from a reservoir in Cappagh in August 2022.

Stephen McCourt, 41, of Riverview in Augher, is accused of murdering Mr Heagney between 30 December 2021 and 6 January 2022.

A legal issue arose on day three of the trial which prompted Mr Justice Fowler to discharge the jury.

Addressing the jury at Belfast Crown Court, the judge thanked the seven woman and five men but said due to a legal issue "unfortunately I am going to have to discharge you from sitting further on this trial".