Trial of man accused of kicking Estonian to death adjourned

The trial of a 26-year-old Dublin man accused of murdering an Estonian forklift driver has been adjourned for the day at the Central Criminal Court heard.

Ian Daly of Moatview Drive in Priorswood has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Valeri Ranert on or about April 30, 2007 at Naul Road in Swords. He also denies hijacking the victim’s Volkswagen Golf on the same occasion.

The trial has heard that Mr Ranert (aged 27) of Westend Village, Blanchardstown was dragged from his car and kicked to death in front of his girlfriend, with whom he was sitting watching airplanes take off at Dublin Airport.

A post-mortem exam found he died of blunt force trauma to the head and neck.

Mr Justice George Birmingham sent the jury away yesterday so legal argument could take place, but this morning, he adjourned the trial until tomorrow when it will resume before the nine men and three women.