Jury retires in trial of man who killed best friend

The jury is due to begin its deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murdering his best friend in Co Kildare last year.

Darren Wynne, 21, of Ballyroe, Athy, Co Kildare had pleaded not guilty to murdering Jamie Lindsay, 20, at Coney Green, Coneyboro, Athy, Co Kildare on April 6, 2013.

The court has heard that Mr Lindsay was shot in the right eye at almost point blank range at the Coneyboro estate.

Last Friday, Wynne was re-arraigned at the Central Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. However, the court was told the plea was not acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Quentin Monaghan, 21, of Tullamoy, Stradbally, Co Laois and James Seery, 21, of Canal Side, Athy, were also charged with the murder and were being tried alongside Wynne.

But they were re-arraigned last week and both men pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and the court heard the pleas were accepted by the DPP.

In his closing speech yesterday morning, Paul Coffey SC prosecuting told the court that the defence relied on was one of provocation. He said it was alleged that the victim made a threat to rape Wynne’s grandmother and to burn down his house.

Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan told the jury that the defence of provocation was raised and that if it were reasonably possible that he was provoked, then he would be guilty of manslaughter.

The jury are due to begin deliberating after Mr Justice Sheehan finishes his direction to them.