Monday murder trial for siblings

The trial of a brother and sister accused of murdering a 63-year-old man last year at Ringsend, Dublin, was adjourned at the Central Criminal Court until Monday.

Kenneth Cummins, aged 28, and Sabrina Cummins, aged 37, with an address at Ringsend Park, Dublin 4, have both pleaded not guilty to murdering Thomas Horan at Cambridge Court, Ringsend, Dublin 4, on January 6, 2014.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt thanked the jury of seven women and five men for agreeing to serve for such a lengthy case, which is potentially five weeks long.

“One thing I can do for you is to give you a substantial exemption from future jury services,” Mr Justice Hunt said. “Your experience of life and knowledge of the ways of the world qualifies you to serve on a jury where you are asked to return a verdict.

“The evidence is what you try the case on so put aside sympathies and prejudices and form your own opinions and judgements based on the evidence. Please don’t discuss the evidence and contents of the case you hear with anybody. ”

The judge told the jury he would take the afternoon to look after legal matters and would see them at 11am on Monday.