Dublin murder trial aborted

The trial of a Dublin man for murder was aborted just minutes after it began today.

Mr Justice Michael Peart told the jurors the case against Ivor Sweetman, (aged 53), could not proceed because a witness was unavailable.

He also said there would be problems finding a court to hear the case in and discharged the jury.

The court had heard the witness was a linguistics expert who was about to leave on an overseas visit.

Sweetman - with an address at Bawnlea Green, Jobstown, Tallaght in Dublin - had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Co Tipperary farmer Danny Fanning, (aged 71), on his Stephenstown property on February 6, 1996.

He had also pleaded not guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Fanning's wife Brigid and daughter Roseleen, as well as possession of a sawn-off shotgun to endanger life or property.

Mr Fanning died after he was shot in the knee outside his home in Stephenstown, Rosegreen in Cashel.

The jury was sworn in to try the case on Monday, but it was adjourned until today because no judge was available.

It is expected to be rescheduled for trial.