Both sides consider 'complex' legal ruling in murder trial

The jury in trial of a Limerick man charged with shooting another Limerick man to death has been told that the trial judge has ruled on a complex legal matter.

Legal argument in the absence of the jury began soon after the murder trial at the Central Criminal Court commenced just more than two weeks ago.

Stephen O’Sullivan (aged 20), of Galtee View, O’Malley Park, Southill has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Moloney (aged 40) at South Claughan Road, Garryowen, Limerick on April 5, 2008.

Mr Moloney was fatally shot in his back as he chatted on the street that Saturday afternoon.

Mr Justice Barry White today told the six women and six men jury of jury that both sides had finished their submissions some days ago on what had been a complex legal issue.

He had been preparing his ruling since and had just given it.

He explained that both sides now wished to consider his ruling.

The jury will be contacted when all sides are ready to proceed in the trial, which was originally expected to last three to four weeks.