Murder trial jury to decide verdict tomorrow

A murder trial jury in the case of a Limerick man accused of the murder of a young deaf man retired to a hotel overnight.

After three hours of deliberations, the jury failed to reach a verdict and will resume to consider its verdict at the Central Criminal Court tomorrow morning.

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 yesterday (Wed) 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.