A Kilkenny man told gardai he heard voices in his head before twice trying to kill one of his best friends, it was alleged in a trial at the Central Criminal Court yesterday. Mr Thomas O'Grady (20), of Fatima Place, Kilkenny, allegedly confessed that voices told him his friend, Paul Barry, "had to go" because he had HIV.
Det Garda Brian Murphy read from a statement in which Mr O'Grady allegedly described beating Mr Barry over the head before dropping burning firelighters on him. Mr Barry had his lower legs amputated after he was found in a field near Kilkenny.
The garda was giving evidence on the 12th day of the trial of Mr O'Grady who has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Mr Paul Barry (29) on October 10th, 1999.
The trial continues.