Jury fails to reach verdict in drug dealer's murder trial

A jury at the Central Criminal Court has been unable to reach a verdict in the trial of a 25-year-old man charged in connection with a fatal stabbing in Longford in November 2016. The accused, of Annaly Court, Longford, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of a 31-year-old man at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. The defence argued the accused acted under provocation following months of hostility, whilst the prosecution contended the killing was deliberate and premeditated. After deliberating for four hours, the jury of eleven members indicated they could not reach either a unanimous or majority verdict. Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh discharged the jury and indicated a retrial may proceed, noting the matter rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case has been listed for mention to fix a date for a new trial.