An Australian man alleged to have killed an Irish backpacker in 2009 has been found not guilty of manslaughter.
Gearóid Walsh (23) never regained consciousness after allegedly being punched by Tobias Liam Simmons at about 11pm on October 25th, 2009. He died four days later after his mother, Tressa, arrived in Sydney from Dublin and the family decided to take him off life support.
Mr Simmons (30) pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Walsh, on the grounds of self-defence.
Mr Walsh’s brother Ciarán said he had returned to the Yeeros takeaway following Gearóid, who had just had a heated exchange there with another man. In evidence yesterday, Ciarán Walsh said he had given his brother “a telling off” for getting involved in the argument. “That’s how stupid things happen,” he told his brother.
Speaking to reporters following the verdict, Mr Simmons spoke of his relief.
"I would like to express my deepest sympathies, of course, to the Walsh family. I would never have wanted the tragic outcomes that occurred that night to eventuate".
"Hopefully we can move on and of course, there is a sense of relief within myself".
Mr Walsh's mother Tressa spoke to reporters afterwards and said she accepted the decision of the court.