Judge dismisses jury in Walsh trial

The jury has been discharged in the trial of a man accused of threatening to kill and cause serious harm to Sunday World journalist, Paul Williams.

James Walsh, (aged 45), of Mountain View Drive, Churchtown, pleaded not guilty to one count of threatening to kill Mr Williams, crime editor of the Sunday World, on June 25, 2003 and a count of threatening to cause him serious harm later the same day.

Judge Desmond Hogan discharged the jury following legal argument on day three of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Hogan told the jury: "Certain matters have arisen that lead me to the opinion that this trial should not continue further."

He told the five men and seven women he would be discontinuing the trial and starting afresh with a new jury. He said this was no reflection on the guilt of the accused.

He thanked the jury for their service.