Murder trial jury retires to consider verdict

The jury in the trial of a 21 year-old Dublin man on trial for the murder a young computer technician will retire on Monday to consider their verdict.

At the Central Criminal Court today Mr Patrick MacEntee SC for the defence made his closing speech to the jury in which he suggested to them that Stephen Kelly was "long past the stage where he could form any type of intent" on the night in question because he was drinking heavily all day.

Mr Stephen Kelly of Westpark, Artane, Dublin has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jonathan Guy, aged 21, of Belcamp Crescent, Priorswood outside a house at Newgrove Estate, Donaghmede, Dublin in March 2001.

Mr Guy spent a week in Beaumont Hospital after suffering the fatal wound to his chest, which penetrated his heart and lungs. His condition deteriorated and he died as a result of his injuries on March 11.

Mr Justice Barry White will charge the jury on Monday morning before they begin their deliberations.