Judge warns jurors not to be "Poirot or Sherlock Holmes"

A judge at the Central Criminal Court has warned jurors at a murder trial not to conduct independent investigations into the case. Mr Justice Alexander Owens addressed the jury hearing the case against Keith Brady, aged 32, from Cartron Estate in Sligo, who is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan between 2 and 3 August 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. Brady pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, though the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept this plea and the trial for murder will proceed. The judge cautioned jurors against using internet searches, social media platforms, or map applications to research details. He warned that non-compliance would constitute contempt of court and instructed them to avoid discussing the case outside the courtroom. Evidence was set to begin the following day, with the prosecution expected to open its case at 10.30am. The trial was anticipated to last approximately two weeks.