Man cleared of killing Irish backpacker in Australia

A man has been cleared of killing an Irish backpacker in Australia.

Gearoid Walsh, 23, died in hospital after a row with 30-year -old Tobias Simmons outside a kebab shop in the Sydney suburb of Coogee in October 2009.

Simmons had pleaded not guilty to a manslaughter charge, saying he acted in self-defence.

During the trial the court heard Mr Walsh had been drinking alcohol for several hours before the events leading to his death.

Security footage of the incident was shown at the non-jury trial.

Supporters of Mr Simmons in the public gallery welcomed the verdict.

Members of Mr Walsh's family travelled to Sydney to be in court.