Man acquitted in Dublin murder trial

A 38-year-old man has today been acquitted of the murder of a Dublin man who was shot in Co Offaly, nine years ago.

Darren Byrne, of no fixed abode, but originally from Raheny, was cleared of killing Paul Ryan at Coolderry, Birr on April 12, 2003 by a majority jury decision at the Central Criminal Court.

The prosecution case relied on the uncorroborated testimony of a man with a criminal background who said he was present at the shooting.

The jury was warned by the trial judge of the dangers of convicting the accused on the basis of this evidence.