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.

A Co Laois builder on trial along with his younger brother for murder, has denied under cross-examination that he fabricated his evidence that he was “purely defending” himself when he struck his neighbour.

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.

The trial of two brothers accused of murdering a farmer in a dispute over a heifer, has heard one of the brothers looked “vicious and “ mad to do something” before inviting the dead man onto his land.