Kearney trial jury retires for the night

The jury hearing the trial of murder accused Brian Kearney has retired to a hotel for the night after just over three hours deliberation.

Kearney, aged 51, with an address at Carnroe, Knocknashee, Goatstown, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife Siobhan, 38, on February 28, 2006 - his 49th birthday.

The jury of eight women and four men retired to consider their verdicts in the case at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin 3.27pm.

After submissions from both prosecution and defence counsel, the jury was recalled to Courtroom Three by the trial judge on two occasions.

Mr Justice White recharged the 12 on certain items of evidence which had already been outlined during the trial, including aspects concerning DNA, pathology evidence and expert analysis.

They also asked for some exhibits to be made available to them, including the door and door frame of the en-suite bathroom, the vacuum cleaner, and duplicate of its flex.

After more than two hours of broken deliberations the jury was sent to a hotel for the night.

The judge warned the jurors not to discuss the case outside the hours of the court sitting.

“Take your break and come back fresh in the morning please,” he added.

Mr Justice White told them they would resume considering their verdict at 10.30am.

The trial continues.