The trial of a 74-year-old Kerry farmer accused of murdering his brother collapsed yesterday as it entered its fourth day.
After legal submissions, Mr Justice Barr told the jury that new evidence had come to light which had to be investigated.
The development came at the Central Criminal Court trial of Mr Sean Daly (74), who denies murdering his brother, Mr Patrick Daly, on January 18th, 1996, at the 105-acre farm owned by Patrick and run in partnership with the accused at Dooneen, Kilcummin, Killarney, Co Kerry.
Yesterday, after separate legal submissions from counsel, Mr Justice Barr told the jury: "A difficulty has arisen in connection with this trial relating to possible additional evidence that has just come to light".
In all the circumstances, it would be "unreal" to continue the trial, he said.
Mr Justice Barr discharged the jury and remanded the defendant, Mr Sean Daly, on continuing bail.