Murder-trial jury discharged before case opens

The jury in the trial of a Dublin man accused of murdering another man in Walkinstown over a year ago has been discharged before the case was opened at the Central Criminal Court.

Warren Graham (aged 21), of Shancastle Lawns, Clondalkin, pleaded not guilty to murdering 42-year-old Paul Keegan in Walkinstown on December 10, 2007. He also denied possession of an imitation firearm.

The trial was due to start yesterday but a difficulty arose when it was discovered that a juror knew one of the gardai involved in the case. A new jury will be sworn in on Monday when the case is expected to begin.

A co-accused, Steven Sheils (aged 28), of Woodstown Abbey, Knocklyon, Dublin 16 will be dealt with separately in relation to a charge of counselling or procuring Mr Graham to have an imitation firearm in his possession.