A court has heard a man who denies murdering his neighbour had told gardaí on the night of the killing that “my family is in jeopardy and I will protect my family”.
Counsel for Richard Higgins (42), New Houses, Lattin, Co Tipperary, told the trial at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick that Mr Higgins was defending himself against his neighbour Seán Murphy (29), who was found dying in his front garden as his young children “screamed” in horror on the night of January 17th, 2010.
It is alleged that Mr Higgins stabbed Mr Murphy with a knife after both men – who had been drinking – became involved in a fight. The trial continues at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Limerick before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.