Jury adjourns in Keane murder trial

The jury in the trial of five Limerick men accused of murdering fellow Limerick man Kieran Keane has been sent to a hotel overnight after failing to reach a verdict.

The 29-day trial was moved from Cloverhill to the Four Courts for the duration of the jury’s deliberations.

The jury retired shortly before 4pm today after Mr Justice Paul Carney’s completed his charge, which began on Wednesday.

The jury will resume deliberations at 11am tomorrow.

The five accused have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Kieran Keane (aged 36) of Garryowen House, Garryowen, Limerick on 29 January last at Drombana, Bushy Island, Limerick and to falsely imprisoning Mr Keane on the same date. They also deny the attempted murder of Owen Treacy (aged 31) of St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick on 29 January 2003 at Drombana and to falsely imprisoning him on the same date.

They are: David "Frogs Eyes" Stanners (aged 31) of Pineview Gardens, Moyross; Desmond Dundon (aged 20) of Hyde Road, Limerick; Anthony "Noddy" McCarthy (aged 21 ) of Fairgreen, Garryowen; Christopher "Smokie" Costelloe (aged 20 ) of Moylish Avenue, Ballynanty Beg and James McCarthy (aged 24 ) of Delmege Park, Moyross.