A Limerick barman who was kicked to death while suffering from cancer was "easy prey", a murder trial jury was told yesterday.
Noel Pyper, who died as a result of injuries sustained during an alleged mugging, was "not a well man" and his attackers intended to kill or cause him serious injury, Mr Brendan Nix SC, prosecuting, said at the Central Criminal Court.
Mr Raymond Casey (38), of Ashe Avenue, John Carew Park, Limerick, and Mr Anthony Casey (21), with an address at Mount Pleasant Avenue, have both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Pyper (48) at or near Newenham Street, Limerick, on August 12th, 1997.
The State contended that a palm print found underneath splatters of blood on the wall where the victim was assaulted was that of Mr Raymond Casey. This probably happened as Mr Casey steadied himself by the wall as he committed his evil act, Mr Nix alleged.
The court has seen video evidence of Mr Casey leaving a fast-food restaurant seconds after Mr Pyper early on the morning of August 12th. Mr Pyper's body was discovered at 8.30 a.m. that day.
Mr John Phelan SC, defending Mr Casey, said that when his client left the restaurant he turned left while Mr Pyper turned right.
The trial continues on Monday with Mr Justice Carney's charge to the jury.