A Limerick man has been found guilty of killing another man who was found beaten to death under a bridge in the city last year.
Tony O'Brien (24), Baker Place, Limerick, had denied the manslaughter of Keith Ryan (23), at Fernbank, O'Callaghan Strand, Limerick, on May 24th, 2006. Mr Ryan, who was from Farranshone, was found with serious head injuries under the Shannon Bridge.
During the manslaughter trial at Limerick Circuit Court, the jury heard evidence from State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy that Mr Ryan died after suffering a number of "severe" facial injuries and bruising to his abdomen.
According to Prof Cassidy, the nature of the injuries were highly suggestive of stamping and she said it was likely he had also been punched and kicked in the head.
The jury heard evidence of Garda interviews in which O'Brien said Mr Ryan was drinking with a number of people on the steps of Shannon Bridge and that he was "drunk and cheeky" and trying to start arguments. O'Brien said he was hit once by Mr Ryan whom he then hit back.
Another man who was also drinking with the group gave Mr Ryan "two to three boots".
After the verdict, Judge Carroll Moran thanked the jury and said sentencing would be adjourned as a co-accused in same the case had already pleaded guilty, something which had to be kept from the jury for legal reasons.
Thomas Ryan, Shanabooly Road, Ballynanty, Limerick, had pleaded guilty to Mr Ryan's manslaughter. Both Ryan and O'Brien will be sentenced on June 8th.