The guards could hardly shield their anger, bundling throngs of celebrating supporters aside they escorted their erstwhile prisoners across the courtyard one last time.

Michaela McAreavey’s desperate last moments as she fought for her life were outlined in a graphic confession statement read out at the trial of the two men accused of her murder.

A court case touching on the death of a young bride was always set to provoke a range of intense emotional reactions, but mirth was surely among the least appropriate.