Foresight that kept the chase alive

MURDERER John Crerar may never have been brought to justice had the winter of 1979 not been so severe.

Former murder squad head John Courtney, who led the original investigation into the killing of Phyllis Murphy, said that because of the cold weather the blood was in perfect condition despite the body lying undiscovered for over a month. He said: “The blood on her body was perfect because it was cold. We started taking blood from suspects and all these samples were kept.”

Detective Sergeant Brendan McArdle, whose initiative brought the murderer to justice, said: “Phyllis’ naked body had lain in the open for 28 days. The fact that we were able to recover any evidence to enable a DNA match was unique.

“And the foresight of Gardaí to keep that evidence safe for 18 years, before we could make use of it. That was crucial.”

The Murphy case was raised during Operation Trace, which was set up to investigate the disappearance of six women in the Midlands and south east. It was decided to re-open the file on Phyllis Murphy and Det Sgt McArdle sent the DNA samples to Britain to be re-examined. For Det Sgt McArdle yesterday’s conviction was a personal triumph. He had not met Phyllis’ family until the trial began at the Central Criminal Court. “I only met them recently. They are lovely people, and myself and all Gardaí are delighted we got this case to court.”