THE trial of a Limerick man accused of murdering a 23-year-old man in a Shannon nightclub four years ago ended yesterday when the jury failed to reach a verdict.
Nathan O’Neill of Hill Top Drive, Dooradoyle, Limerick denied murdering Jamie Higgins of Mungret, County Limerick at the Shannon Knights, Tullyvarraga Shannon on March 18, 2018.
He pleaded guilty to causing serious harm to Michael Shannon on the same date and at the same place.
When he was arraigned on the murder charge at Cork Central Criminal Court, he replied: “Not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
After hearing the evidence and deliberating on their verdict for a second day, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon told them that a majority verdict would be acceptable.
After a further brief deliberation, the jury foreman said that they hadn’t reached a verdict on which at least ten of them agreed and then indicated that they had recorded a disagreement.
Stating that cases such as the one before them could be difficult, Ms Justice Creedon thanked them for their service and excused them from further jury duty for five years.
Another jury will be sworn in to hear the case against Nathan O’Neill at a date to be determined by the Central Criminal Court.
