Jury sent for second night in attempted murder trial

The jury in the trial of a Dublin man accused of attempting to murder his brother-in-law has been sent home for a second night after failing to reach a verdict.

Charlie Darcy (aged 20) of Crumlin Park, Crumlin, denies trying to murder Patrick Collins by twice firing a pistol at Mr Collins' head as he lay in bed with his wife (Mr Darcy's sister) and their two-week-old baby.

The jury of six men and six women have now deliberated for four hours without reaching a unanimous verdict.

Mr Justice Paul Carney told the jury to return to the Central Criminal Court tomorrow morning to resume its deliberations when he would accept a majority verdict.

Mr Darcy is charged with attempted murder, burglary and aggravated burglary, in that he entered at Cooley Road, Drimnagh on August 31, 2008 as a trespasser with the intent to commit murder and had a firearm in his possession.

The jury heard that a gunman entered the Collins' home after midnight, put a semi automatic pistol to Mr Collins' head and fired it twice.

The weapon jammed, allowing Mr Collins to jump up and run out of his house.

Mr Collins and his wife, Linda, told the jury that they recognised the gunman as Mr Darcy.

The defence say the couple have "stitched" Mr Darcy into the incident and are not reliable witnesses.