Publication date:
A 41-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 24 years at Laganside Crown Court today, for the murder of Damien Heagney, who was last seen alive in December 2021. He was found guilty of murder by a jury at Dungannon Crown Court on 9 April 2025.
Head of the PPS Serious Crime Unit Catherine Kierans said: “This brutal murder took place in early January 2022 and afterwards McCourt callously dismembered and disposed of Mr Heagney’s body in a reservoir.
“This was a strong circumstantial case with various strands of evidence. The prosecution team in the PPS Serious Crime Unit worked closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who carried out a full investigation, to bring McCourt before the court and build a robust case against him, which resulted in the jury delivering a guilty verdict.
Ms Kierans continued: “McCourt has now been held accountable for the horrendous and violent murder of Damien Heagney. I want to commend Mr Heagney’s family for their bravery and dignity. He was a much-loved son who is missed terribly by everyone who knew him. I hope the conclusion of this case will help his family and friends to move forward with their lives, as they try to come to terms with his death.”