Trial of Limerick man begins today

A 20-year-old Limerick man died after being struck with significant force by an accused wielding a metal object, a murder trial jury heard today.

On the opening day of his trial, William Moran jnr, aged 19, with an address at Parkside Bed and Breakfast, Clare Street, Limerick pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jonathan Edwards of Abbeyvale, Corbally, Co Limerick at St Ita's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick on August 29 2001.

In the Central Criminal Court today prosecution counsel Ms Mary Ellen Ring SC told the jury that they would hear evidence that the accused allegedly hit the deceased a single blow with a piece of aluminium or metal on the morning of August 29.

In her opening address to the jury, Ms Ring said it was the State's case that the blow was "of significant force" and caused brain death.

Jonathan Edwards was placed on a ventilator at Limerick Regional Hospital but was pronounced dead on September 1, three days after the assault.

Counsel told the jury of six men and six women that on August 27, the day before the fatal attack, Jonathan Edwards went into the Lee Estate in Limerick to collect an Alsatian pup and he met with some other youths.

One of them objected to him kicking the pup.

The deceased returned the dog and later came back to the Lee Estate accompanied by another man, the jury heard.

At some stage, a row broke out between a friend of the accused, Eric Leamey, and another man, during which Eric Leamey was stabbed.

The following morning, the accused, William Moran, was informed that Mr Leamey had died.

Counsel told jurors that they would hear evidence that at around 10am, the accused met Jonathan Edwards when, it is alleged, he struck him with the metal object.

The trial before Mr Justice Paul Carney continues tomorrow.