Laide trial - Clear system of deposition is required

SERIOUS legal questions flow from yesterday’s decision to abandon the manslaughter trial of Dermot Laide over the killing of student Brian Murphy in Dublin almost six years ago.

Central to this matter is the vexed issue of whether a system of depositions should now be introduced to allow evidence to be heard in court if a crucial witness was unable to give such evidence.

As it transpired, the manslaughter charge against Laide for the killing of Mr Murphy outside Anabel’s nightclub in Dublin on August 31, 2000, was dropped because of what counsel for the DPP described as “ongoing evidential difficulties” which could “not be overcome”.