Deirdre Jacob's Body Must Be Found In Order To Convict Someone, Says Former Detective

Thursday, 28 July 2022 09:08

By Caoimhe Harney

Gardaí believe she was murdered, but no one's ever been convicted.

Gardaí need to find Deirdre Jacob's body to convict someone of her murder, according to a retired cold case detective.

Today is the 24th anniversary of her disappearance from Roseberry, Newbridge, the 18-year-old vanished without trace.

Former head of the Garda Cold Case Unit, Alan Bailey, commented: "It's very difficult to prove somebody has been murdered, if you don't have a body.

"If a body is located tomorrow morning I have no doubt it will be carefully examined," he insisted.

"Because with all the advances in DNA and investigations, and things like that, there is a possibility of locating some bit of evidence on the body or at the body dump scene, which might help to secure a conviction," he added.

Deirdre Jacob CROP Gardai searching woodlands in Usk Little 11/10/18 - RollingNews

The trainee teacher, Deirdre Jacob went missing as she was walking home in Newbridge on July 28th, 1998.

Gardaí believe she was murdered, but no one's ever been convicted.

Rapist and attempted murderer, Larry Murphy, has long been a suspect in the case.

However, the DPP recently decided the Gardaí didn't have enough evidence to charge him.

Alan Bailey has said he remains a major person of interest in the case

More from Local News

Local Authority Tenants Must Get Permission Before Installing Video Doorbells, Says Kildare Council

The council says it will allow video doorbells, including Ring-style devices, only if prior approval is given, cameras are limited to the tenant’s own property, and do not record public roads or neighbouring homes.
Nearly €400,000 Owed On Derelict Buildings In Kildare-Newbridge District Alone

Some of the buildings already taken over by the council include the Old Band Hall on Cutlery Road in Newbridge, the former Bargain Store in Kildare Town, and the former Garda station on Leinster Street in Rathangan.
After Fertility Loss, Care Barriers Remain For Women With Endometriosis, Says Local Woman

Audio

Speaking on Kildare Today, Ms Whelan said she learned last July that the condition had left her unable to have children.
Over €200,000 Awarded To The Conservation Of Three Historic Buildings In Kildare

The funding supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures from traditional homes to landmark public buildings
€8.5m Wastewater Upgrade To Enable 900 New Homes In Celbridge, With Traffic Disruption Until May

The works involve the installation of over two kilometres of new wastewater pipeline between the Castletown Wastewater Pumping Station and Crodaun, passing through Castletown Estate, Castletown Drive and the R405 Maynooth Road.
Four New Bus Shelters Approved For Athgarvan And Maddenstown, Pending NTA Delivery

In response to a question from Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe, the council confirmed works are also underway on Local Link routes 821 and 880, including upgrades at six bus stops.
Two Men Arrested In Garda Operation Targeting Burglaries

The investigation looked into more than 40 incidents, including thefts, deception and unauthorised takings of vehicles, in Dublin and across the country last year.
Leak Shuts Junior Infants Class In 19-Year-Old "Temporary" School Building In Celbridge

It remains unclear as to when the works will be completed.