Geoghegan murder trial jury sent home for night

THE JURY in the trial of the man charged with murdering rugby player Shane Geoghegan was sent home for a second night yesterday…

THE JURY in the trial of the man charged with murdering rugby player Shane Geoghegan was sent home for a second night yesterday after failing to reach a verdict.

The six men and five women have deliberated for eight hours since retiring on Friday afternoon.

Father of three Barry Doyle of Portland Row, Dublin; and Hyde Road, Limerick, has pleaded not guilty to murdering the 28-year-old Garryowen player in a case of mistaken identity.

Mr Geoghegan was shot dead near his home in Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle, on November 9th, 2008.

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Mr Doyle admitted shooting him in videotaped Garda interviews, but has argued in the Central Criminal Court that detectives induced him to make the confession.

The jury deliberated through lunch yesterday, stopping only for a smoking break and to ask a question. The foreman said the jury wished to ask the judge the question in the privacy of his chambers, but this was not allowed.

The jury then asked for clarification on what constituted murder and what level of involvement was needed.

“The State’s case is that Barry Doyle was the gunman. How much more involved can you get?” replied Mr Justice Paul Carney, after giving a summary of the definition of murder.

The jury then asked about joint enterprise. “You’re not concerned with other people not before the court,” replied the judge.

Mr Justice Carney had earlier given the jury the opportunity of reaching a majority verdict of 10 to 1. The 12th juror was discharged on Friday when his father became critically ill.

All 11 will resume their deliberations this morning.