Man on bail after jury fails to reach verdict
The case against Edward Bryan, aged 58, of Martinvilla, Athlog Rd, Trim, Co Meath, has been adjourned for mention on Oct 18 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
It will now be a matter for the DPP to decide on the issue of a retrial.
Mr Bryan denied 12 charges of indecently assaulting five boys on various dates during the 1980s.
Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin discharged and thanked the four women and seven men of the jury. One of the jurors was discharged shortly after the trial commenced on June 18 by consent.
The judge had called the jury back to see how they were getting on in their deliberations after seven hours.
“You would like to get a decision one way or another. Do you feel more time would be of any benefit in reaching a decision?” he asked.
Without hesitation the foreman of the jury said: “More time is of no benefit to us.”
The judge thanked them, saying they had done their absolute best in hearing eight days of evidence since June 18 and deliberating for so long on Thursday and yesterday.
Mr Bryan was then remanded on continuing bail to appear again before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Oct 15.
