Murder accused ‘acted in self-defence’

A MAN charged with murder who claims he acted in self-defence had marks to his back consistent with having been hit with an implement, the Central Criminal Court in Limerick was told yesterday.

Richard Higgins, 42, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his next-door neighbour, Sean Murphy, 29, at the New Houses estate in Lattin, Co Tipperary, on January 17, 2010.

He also denies threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Sean Murphy and his partner, Paula Hassett, on dates in October and December 2009.