Trial of Corkman Noel Long may be oldest murder prosecution in State's history, says judge

The jury can return three verdicts against Mr Long, namely; guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter or not guilty

Noel Long (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to murdering 54-year-old Nora Sheehan between June 6 and June 12, 1981, at an unknown place within the State. File picture: Collins Courts

A judge has told a jury that the cold case trial of 74-year-old Noel Long may be the oldest murder prosecution in the State's history and they should bear in mind it is much more difficult for an accused to meet an old case.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott concluded his charge to the jurors today in the Central Criminal Court trial. They have so far spent 35 minutes considering their verdict and will return to court on Thursday morning to resume their deliberations.