The younger of two Co Laois brothers on trial for murdering a farmer in a dispute over a heifer, has walked free from court after being acquitted by a unanimous verdict.

The second of two Co Laois brothers on trial for murder has told the jury in his case that he never struck the man they are accused of killing.

One of two Co Laois brothers accused of murdering a farmer has told the jury in his trial that he was “purely defending” himself when he hit out at the dead man, after he had forced himself onto his land to get back a heifer.