Patrick Quirke appeal told privacy issues at stake for electronic devices in search warrant

The court heard the District judge who issued the warrant was not informed of the intention to seize computers and electronic devices containing the personal data of an entire family, including teenagers.

The computer of Patrick Quirke (pictured) formed a key part of the evidence against him, after it was found to have been used for internet searches on human decomposition and DNA. File picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

An invalid warrant was used to search farmer Patrick Quirke’s home in a Garda investigation into the murder of DJ Bobby Ryan, the Supreme Court has heard.

Lawyers for Quirke, who is appealing against his 2019 conviction for Mr Ryan’s murder, said the District judge who issued the search warrant was not informed of the intention to seize computers and electronic devices containing the personal data of an entire family.