A JURY this Monday failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a man accused of throwing acid in the face of a former Irish international pool player, causing him serious harm.
The seven women and five men on the jury, which had retired to consider its verdict on the morning of Friday last (November 29), said before the court in Limerick on Monday morning that it was “undecided” after hearing evidence in the case against John Cross, the accused man in the trial.
Judge Colin Daly, before the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, excused the jury and told them that “unfortunately you have not achieved the task that was set to you, you are excused”.
John O’Sullivan, prosecuting barrister in the case, told the court that he would have to seek instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, and asked for the matter to be adjourned to a call-over of cases scheduled in the new court term in 2025.
Judge Daly granted the application and remanded Mr Cross on continuing bail to the new term call over next year.
Mr Cross (35), with an address at St Lawrence’s Park, Garryowen, in Limerick, had pleaded not guilty to one count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to former Irish international pool plaer Ian Pickford during a house party at Mr Cross’ home.
The court last week heard that Mr Pickford (24), also of Garryowen, received life-changing and disfiguring facial and chest injuries in the alleged attack on June 14, 2020.
