Two of three young men who received jail sentences arising from the death of Brian Murphy following an assault outside Club Anabel five years ago today started appeals against their convictions before the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Dermot Laide at his sentencing in March 2004
Dermot Laide (22), of Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was jailed for four years for the manslaughter of Mr Murphy outside the Dublin nightclub on August 31st, 2000.
He also received a concurrent two-year prison term for violent disorder.
Desmond Ryan (23), Dalkey, Co Dublin, got a nine-month sentence for violent disorder.
Both were sentenced on March 15th, 2004, following a jury trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. In Ryan's case the sentence was postponed to allow him complete final college examinations and he is currently on bail.
Counsel for Laide, Mr Michael O'Higgins SC, is arguing that his client's right to a fair trial was prejudiced because the trial judge erred in law in the conduct of the trial by permitting statements of Laide's co-accused to go to the jury.
Mr O'Higgins said the statement in question was from the co-accused Sean Mackey, which suggested Laide kicked Mr Murphy while he was on the ground.
The hearing is expected to last for three days and lawyers for both men will also argue that neither received a fair trial because of alleged prejudicial media coverage.