Murphy jury finds Ryan not guilty of manslaughter

One of two former Blackrock College students who were convicted of violent disorder at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been cleared of the charge of manslaughter.

Just after 3 p.m. the jury decided that Desmond Ryan (23), Conyngham Road, Dalkey was not guilty of the charge following a total of 18 hours and 54 minutes of deliberations.

However, the jury said it could not reach a verdict on the manslaughter charge facing the other accused, Seán Mackey (23), of South Park, Foxrock.

Judge Michael White said the outstanding charge against Mackey would come before the court again during the sentencing hearing on March 8th.

The Director of Public Prosecutions must now decide whether to order a retrial on Mackey's manslaughter charge.

There were emotional scenes in the court with five of the 12 jury members in tears. Judge White discharged the jury of four women and eight men and exempted them from jury duty for life. "I have to pay a heartfelt tribute to you for your dedication in this trial over the past seven weeks. Your public service as jurors has been exceptional," he said.

Last night the jury decided unanimously that Ryan and Mackey were guilty of violent disorder.

They will face sentencing on March 8th along with Dermot Laide (22), Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, who was convicted of both manslaughter and violent disorder last Wednesday. All three have been remanded on continuing bail until their sentencing hearing.

Judge White said he would rule on the sentences a week after this hearing.

They were among four students charged with killing Brian Murphy outside Club Anabel, near the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, on August 31st, 2000.

The fourth defendant, Mr Andrew Frame (22), Nutley Lane, Donnybrook, was acquitted on both charges - by direction of the judge on the manslaughter charge.

Brian Murphy's father issued a brief statement after the trial ended. "We have noted the verdicts handed down over the past three days. However, until such time as the sentencing is complete, we have no further comment."

None of the three guilty men would comment this evening as they left the Four Courts complex.