Murder trial jury considers verdict

A murder trial jury at the Central Criminal Court has retired to consider its verdict in the case of a Limerick man accused of the murder of a young deaf man.

William Roche (23) with an address at Millstream, Killaloe, Co Clare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of John Carroll (21), Cappamore, Co Limerick on 4 December 1998 at Garraun, Ballinahinch, Newport, Co Tipperary.

Directing the jury, Mr Justice O’Higgins said the prosecution case was that in garda statements, the accused "confessed to actions" from which jurors were "invited to conclude that the accuse had the intention, at least to cause serious harm" to Mr Carroll.

However, if the jury rejects the inference, it is open to them to bring in a verdict of manslaughter, he said.

On the question of intent and of common design, Mr Justice O’Higgins said this can arise, not only when "something had been planned for ages, but can arise spontaneously".