Laois killing trial: Jury sent home for third night

The jury in the trial of a Laois father-of-three accused of murder was sent home this evening for the third night since beginning its deliberations.

Daniel-Joseph ‘DJ’ Byrne (aged 39) has pleaded not guilty to murdering 49-year-old father Edward Dempsey on October 11, 2007.

The cattle farmer died on that date in Portlaoise Hospital, 10 months after being involved in a row with DJ Byrne at the Byrne farm on Hammer Lane, Borness, Co Laois.

Yesterday, Mr Byrne’s younger brother, Jason Byrne (aged 33), who had also been on trial for the murder, was acquitted by unanimous verdict. He too had denied the charge.

The jury will resume its deliberations tomorrow morning before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.