Jury to consider intoxication level of man accused of murdering talented musician

A jury at the Central Criminal Court is hearing evidence in the trial of a 31-year-old Sligo man charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan in the town during August 2015. Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of the 59-year-old at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. The prosecution opening outlined that the defendant's level of intoxication at the time of the alleged offence would be a key consideration for jurors when determining whether the necessary intent for murder was present. The deceased, described as a talented musician, was found with two stab wounds to the neck. A garda investigation identified the accused following enquiries involving his sister. The trial before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart is expected to exceed two weeks.