Jury fails to reach verdict for second night in robbery trial

A jury in the trial of a Meath man accused of robbery and false imprisonment was sent home for a second night today after failing to reach a verdict.

The jury took three hours 39 minutes deliberating on a unanimous verdict before Judge Donagh McDonagh directed that they return a majority verdict.

They continued their deliberations for a further two and a half hours before Judge McDonagh sent them home for the evening.

Frank (Francis) Cunningham (aged 63) of Bog Road, Longwood in Co Meath had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the robbery of tobacco products worth €314,916 and the false imprisonment of Joseph O'Toole and Edward Postol in Blanchardstown on March 14, 2007.

He has also pleaded not guilty to possession of a firearm or imitation firearm and unlawful use of a mechanically propelled vehicle on the same date in the same place.

The five men and six women of the jury will resume deliberations on the charges tomorrow.