The jury in the trial of a Dublin man accused of murdering another man with a billhook during a fracas in Finglas was sent home by a judge at the Central Criminal Court yesterday. Mr Justice Carney told the jury it was not required until today.
Mr David McDonagh (44), known as "Minor Charge" McDonagh, of St Joseph's Park, Dunsink, Finglas, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Timothy "Hand-shaker" Joyce (46), of Lydd Caravan Site, Romney Marshes, Kent, on November 9th, 1996, at St Helena's Drive, Finglas.
He has also pleaded not guilty to charges of violent disorder and possession of a billhook with intent to cause injury or to be used in intimidation at St Helena's Drive on the same date. The prosecution has claimed that Mr McDonagh killed Mr Joyce after a row between Traveller groups.