A Co Kerry man pleaded not guilty yesterday at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of a Co Clare taxi driver.
However, Anthony Kelly (54) of Emlagh na Muck, Emlagh More, Waterville, Killarney admitted to six other charges, including robbing hackney driver Liam Moloney (56) of car and house keys, a pocket knife, a wallet and €10 in cash. He also admitted taking a motor vehicle belonging to Mr Moloney and damaging it by fire on the same date of February 11th, 2005.
Kelly also pleaded guilty to going to Barrack Close, Barrack Street, Ennis, Co Clare with the intent to commit theft, and to the possession of a sharp object, namely a knife, as well as an axe and a machete in a public place on the same date.
Finally, Kelly pleaded guilty to the possession of a sawn-off shotgun in Co Kerry on February 24th, 2005, giving rise to the inference that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful purpose.
Mr Moloney's body was discovered on farmland near the village of Ruan, Co Clare.
A jury of five men and seven women has now been sworn in for the trial of Kelly on the charge of murder, which he denies.
Speaking ahead of yesterday's arraignment proceedings, Brendan Grehan SC, defending, told Mr Justice Paul Carney that this was a case in which the matter of diminished responsibility would be raised.
The case is due to go ahead tomorrow morning and is expected to last until next week.