Murder accused said he gouged flatmate's eye out when he came at him with knife

A man has pleaded not guilty to murder at the Central Criminal Court following the death of his flatmate at an apartment on Tone Street, Ballina, County Mayo in October 2024. The prosecution alleges the deceased died from severe injuries sustained during an altercation, including 27 stab wounds and significant facial trauma. The defendant claims he acted in self-defence after the deceased threatened him with a knife. Gardaí attended the scene at approximately 12.50am on 24 October and found the deceased on the floor with the defendant standing over him. Medical evidence presented to the jury detailed the extent of injuries inflicted. The defendant made statements to gardaí at the scene and subsequently, asserting the deceased had initiated the violence. The Armed Support Unit from Claremorris attended to secure the location. The trial before Ms Justice Melanie Greally continues with a jury of nine men and three women.