Carroll family hide their tears after verdict

Members of John Carroll's family tried to hide their tears as the manslaughter verdict against Michael Sage was read out just before lunchtime today.

Since last year, they have sat through three trials and one appeal, attending every day at the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Carroll's foster father, Martin Quish said he was "bitterly disappointed" with the outcome. "The jury had deliberated so long and the pointers in this case were very obvious. For the life of me I can't understand it," he said.

He and his wife Kathleen cared for John, his twin sister Johanna and younger brother Daniel since 1990, when their mother died of a brain haemorrhage.

"Kathleen [John's foster mother] is terribly upset at the verdict, John was very close to her. We miss him terribly. He was a character; he was witty; he was funny; he was very generous."

Mr Quish described having to sit through harrowing evidence in three trials as "pure torture". He thanked the gardai and members of the mid western health board - who attended throughout the trial - for their support.

Johanna Carroll, who was also visibly upset, said: "It's so disappointing, so disappointing."

After the verdict Michael Sage and Deirdre Rose left the court together, looking relieved and without speaking to the media.