Two Limerick brothers who wielded knives against their sister's boyfriend have been acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter in the Central Criminal Court.
John Murray (26) of Clarina Park, Ballinacurra-Weston, Limerick, and his brother, Gerard Murray (19) of Garryglass Avenue, Ballinacurra-Weston, had each pleaded not guilty to the murder of Edward Waters (19), formerly of Columcille Street, King's Island, Limerick, at a house in Clarina Park on December 1st, 1997. Mr Waters was stabbed when the brothers came to their sister's aid.
The jury unanimously acquitted Gerard Murray of murder but found him guilty of manslaughter. In the case of John Murray, it returned a majority verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Mr Justice Kinlen adjourned sentencing until December 21st, pending receipt of probation and welfare reports. He said he was "very genuinely aware that the probation services are understaffed and overworked".
Remanding the pair on continuing bail, he said: "It is quite obvious from the evidence of the Garda that both these two young men are highly regarded by the Garda and have never been in trouble before."
Ms Sharon Murray, a sister of the two men, had been in a relationship with Mr Waters and had two children with him.
She give evidence that Mr Waters was violent towards her and her children, and that on the night of the killing, her brothers came to her aid. Mr Waters was struck with a knife in the face and forearm but a third stab entered his chest, causing the collapse of his lung and death.