Verdict awaited in Sligo murder case

The jury has retired to consider their verdict in the trial of a 29-year-old man charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of murder in Co Sligo two years ago.

Martin McDonagh of Cherry Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire in England has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patrick "Deuce" Ward in May 1999.

He has also pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to murder Patrick "Jaws" Ward senior, Edward "Ned Ward and "Jaws Paddy" Ward junior at the funeral in Carrownanty, Ballymote, Co Sligo on the 10th of May that year.

The 29-year-old was also charged with possession of a Browning pistol with intent to endanger life in Ballymote on the same date - he has pleaded not guilty to that charge as well.

The jury retires at 3.35pm

The trial judge, Mr Justice Patrick Smith has told the jurors they must consider each of the five counts against Mr McDonagh separately.