Man accused of murdering farmer claims he was defending himself

One of two Co Laois brothers accused of murdering a farmer has told the jury in his trial that he was “purely defending” himself when he hit out at the dead man, after he had forced himself onto his land to get back a heifer.

Wearing a dark grey suit, Daniel-Joseph Byrne took the witness stand and told the jury that he was in his farmyard screaming “get out get out” as Edward Dempsey came towards him with his fists closed.