A judge in the Central Criminal Court yesterday ordered separate trials for three men accused of the murder of a Limerick man.
Addressing the jury, Mr Justice Quirke said a matter had arisen and for legal reasons he felt it "appropriate that separate trials should be directed in respect of two of the accused".
Mr Andrew Brennan (28), of St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, has denied the murder of Mr Sean Colbert (53), of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick, who was killed outside his home on August 9th, 1996.
Mr Brennan's father, Mr Patrick Brennan (53), of St Ita's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, has also denied the murder of Mr Colbert, as has a third accused, Mr William O'Neill (27), of no fixed abode but previously of Garryowen, Co Limerick.
Mr Justice Quirke said the trial of Mr Andrew Brennan would continue on Monday.