Jury still deliberating in hostel fire trial
A jury in Australia has entered a second day of deliberations in the trial of a homeless fruit-picker accused of starting a fire that killed 15 young backpackers, including Limerick woman Julie O'Keeffe and seven British people.
The jury of seven women and five men retired at the Brisbane Supreme Court yesterday following the 19-day trial of drifter Robert Long.
The 38-year-old has denied murder and arson in connection with a fire at the Palace Backpackers Hostel in Childers on June 23, 2000.
24-year-old Julie O’Keefe, a native of Co Limerick, was among the 15 people who died in the blaze.
