Murder accused denies he was 'willing participant'

A murder accused today denied that he took an active role in the robbery and murder of a young deaf man.

Michael Sage of Glenacre, Killaloe, Co Clare has pleaded not guilty to the murder but guilty to the manslaughter of John Carroll, aged 22, of Cappamore, Limerick at Garraun, Newport, Ballinahinch, Co Tipperary on December 4 1998.

The accused has also pleaded guilty to a second charge of falsely imprisoning Mr Carroll on the same date.

The court has heard that Mr Carroll was beaten to death with a heavy instrument in a lonely boreen in the early hours of the morning of the December 4.

Earlier this year, another man, William Roche, was convicted of the murder of Mr Carroll. The court has also heard that Deirdre Rose, now married to the accused, was also charged with murder but was acquitted.

Under cross-examination, Michael Sage denied suggestions that he was a willing participant with William Roche.

Mr Eamonn Leahy SC prosecuting put it to him that he "took an active part in what went on that night" and he "was actively seeking money".

"I wasn't particularly seeking money", the accused replied. He admitted searching the victim's pockets, but claimed he was doing so because William Roche "told me to do it".

Counsel then put it to the accused that he was asking the jury to believe that he went from being an "active participant" in attacking the accused earlier that night, and selecting the isolated killing spot to becoming an "indifferent spectator" for those few moments when the fatal blows were struck.

"You were both doing what you brought him to the mountains to do - to rob and kill Mr Carroll," Mr Leahy suggested.

"No, you're wrong", the accused replied.

"I was told to search his pockets. I was doing what I was told."

The prosecution has now begun its closing speech.