One of three men convicted in connection with the death of student Brian Murphy in Dublin almost four years ago was today granted bail pending the outcome of his appeal.
Desmond Ryan (23) was sentenced to nine months in jail after being found guilty of violent disorder for his part in the fight outside a Dublin nightclub that resulted in the death of the 18-year-old student.
Desmond Ryan during his trial
He was to begin the sentence next Monday as it was adjourned to allow him to complete his final exams at University College Dublin.
Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman in the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that Ryan had a strong chance of success in his pending appeal and his legal team had a seriously arguable case. He said he must take into account the relative shortness of Ryan's sentence and that it may have been served before the appeal reaches the court.
He said: "In those circumstances to succeed on his appeal, although vindicating his character, would pose no recompense for the period spent in custody."
Mr Justice Hardiman, presiding over the three-judge court, ruled there was no reason to suggest that if his appeal was unsuccessful, Ryan would not be available to serve the sentence.
Mr Murphy died as a result of multiple punches and kicks to the head in a fight outside Club Anabel at the Burlington Hotel on August 31st, 2000.
Dermot Laide (22) was sentenced to four years after being found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder. Co-accused Sean Mackey (23) was jailed for two years for violent disorder after the seven-week trial earlier this year.
Ryan, from Dalkey, Co Dublin, was acquitted of manslaughter. The UCD student was granted continuing bail pending his appeal.
His necessity to sign in at a Garda station once a week was waived. All three convicted men were students at the exclusive Blackrock College, Co Dublin.
Their trial in January and February attracted unprecedented publicity and dominated media headlines for more than two months.