Just before Christmas 1979, 23 year old Phyllis Murphy disappeared while waiting on a bus in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Her body was found in an isolated spot 25 miles away at Turlough Hill, Co Wicklow a month later.

After a huge search and investigation, the gardai had no leads as to who was responsible for her death. But in 1998, DNA in Phyllis’ case was tested as part of Operation Trace. As a result of that, 53 year old John Crerar – a neighbour of Phyllis’ remaining family – stood trial at the Dublin Central Criminal Court.

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Charles Mallow, “Phyllis fought to the death” in The Evening Herald (10 October 2002) p.p. 1,6.

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Kathy Donaghy, “How Christmas shopping trip ended in horror” in The Irish Independent (1 November 2002) p. 9.

Charlie Mallon “Man who would not let the case die” in The Evening Herald (1 November 2002) p. 4.

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Stephen Rae, “Crerar: more sex attacks are revealed” in The Evening Herald (4 November 2002) p. 1.

Melanie Finn, “Crerar trial anguish of murder victim’s family” in The Evening Herald (5 November 2002) p. 11.

Rita O’Reilly, “Phyllis Murphy killer accused of child sex abuse” in The Sunday Independent (10 November 2002) p. 6.

Stephen McNeice, “We’re not going to let bitterness get us” – sister of murdered Phyllis Murphy” from Newstalk.com https://www.newstalk.com/news/not-going-let-bitterness-get-us-sister-murdered-phyllis-murphy-2-941861 (22 December 2019) 41:22