Laide free after DPP drops prosecution

Dermot Laide has walked free from Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi in relation to the unlawful killing of Brian Murphy outside the Burlington Hotel in 2000.

Counsel for the DPP told Judge Michael White that there had been "ongoing evidential difficulties" in the case against Laide which "could not be overcome".

Mr Michael O’Higgins SC, defending, said there was no objection to the nolle prosequi being entered and Judge White then told Mr Laide that he was discharged and "free to go".

Dermot Laide (aged 23), from Rossvale, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was to be tried for the manslaughter of Brian Murphy outside the Burlington Hotel in 2000.

Laide was found guilty in February 2004 of manslaughter and violent disorder in relation to the unlawful killing of Mr Murphy outside the hotel on August 31, 2000.

His conviction for manslaughter was overturned by the Court of Criminal Appeal on February 24, 2005 and a retrial ordered.