Dublin man accused of punching valuable Monet painting

A Dublin man accused of punching a hole in a valuable Monet oil painting is due to stand trial today.

Andrew Shannon of Willans Way, Ongar was arrested after 'Argenteuil Basin With A Single Sailboat' was damaged at the National Gallery last June.

The painting was given to the National Gallery in 1924 and it is believed to be insured for €7m.

During a previous court appearance, gardaí said it will be alleged that Mr Shannon lunged at the painting with a raised fist and punched it, a charge denied by the 48-year-old.