Jury retire for a second night in Monet painting trial

The jury in the trial of a man accused of vandalising a €10 million Claude Monet painting has been sent home for a second night without reaching a verdict.

Andrew Shannon (48) has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to criminal damage of the painting at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin on June 29th, 2012.

Mr Shannon, of Willans Way, Ongar in Dublin, claims he felt weak and “fell” against the painting because of his serious heart condition.

The 1874 painting, entitled Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat, is valued at €10 million.

After the jury had been out for several hours, Judge Desmond Hogan told them that the court will accept a majority verdict of 10 to 2. The jurors have deliberated for over six hours so far.

The jury of six women and five men will resume their deliberations tomorrow.