Three men accused of the manslaughter of a 65-year-old farmer over a land dispute had the unlawful killing charge against them dropped by the state today as they pleaded guilty to assault instead.

Gardaí recovered a CS gas canister, a stun gun, pick-axe handles, balaclavas and a fake garda jacket after five men seen acting suspiciously by an off duty Special Branch officer were arrested in Bray, the Special Criminal Court in Dublin was told today.