Murder accused in tears as jury fail to reach verdict

A woman accused of murdering her former housemate became visibly distressed when a jury at the Central Criminal Court failed to reach a verdict following a month-long trial. The jury of twelve spent seven hours and 33 minutes deliberating before informing Mr Justice Paul McDermott that unanimity was impossible. The judge had indicated he would accept a majority verdict of at least ten jurors before they returned unable to agree. Nicola Brennan, 33, of no fixed abode, had denied murdering Juris Viktorovs at Shillelagh, Ballyconnell, County Cavan, on 10 February 2022. The prosecution case centred on eye-witness testimony and forensic evidence. The defence challenged the consistency and reliability of the key witness account and questioned whether guilt had been established beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Justice McDermott adjourned the matter until 24 January 2024, when a date for retrial will be set. The jurors were discharged and exempted from further service for ten years.