Murder trial: Garda witness 'saw iron bar strike'

A Garda witness in a murder trial has told a jury that she saw a 42-year-old former school teacher being struck on the head with an iron bar, hours before he died in hospital.

The evidence was heard on the third day of the trial of two men charged with the murder of Noel Carmody, Ballingarry, Co Limerick, who died after being beaten to death in a public park in Limerick city last year.

Jonathan Tuohy (aged 19) of Edward Street, Limerick, and Darren Wallace (aged 21) of Assumpta Park, Lee Estate, Limerick, are both charged with the murder of Noel Carmody at Arthur’s Quay Park, in Limerick city, on September 27, 2003.

The two accused men are also charged with robbing Mr Carmody on the same date.

Both men are denying the charges.

Earlier today, Garda Caragh Leahy told a jury at the Central Criminal Court that she saw Jonathan Tuohy strike Mr Carmody with an iron bar on the night of the murder.

The Garda witness also said that when she arrived at the scene she saw Darren Wallace crouched over Mr Carmody’s body.

The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court, which is currently sitting in Limerick.