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.

The jury has been discharged in the trial of two brothers accused of murdering Edward Dempsey (aged 49), a Co Offaly farmer, because of “insuperable” difficulties.