A young Co Wexford man lost his life when he was kicked and boxed after which he was pushed into the river Slaney in Enniscorthy, a court was told yesterday.
Daniel Ryan, Nolan's Lawn, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, has pleaded not guilty before Judge Michael O'Shea at Wexford Circuit Court to the manslaughter of Jonathan Skerritt, Oylegate, Co Wexford, at Enniscorthy on March 11th, 2003.
He has also pleaded not guilty to using or threatening to use unlawful violence.
Jonathan Bernie, Viking Wharf, Enniscorthy, has also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, while his brother Rodney Bernie, Fr Murphy Close, Enniscorthy, has pleaded not guilty to unlawful violence.
Rosario Boyle, prosecuting, said Mr Ryan came into a pub where Mr Skerritt was drinking and accused him of having made a woman pregnant. An argument ensued and the pub manager asked Mr Ryan to leave.
Later in the evening when the others left the pub, Ms Boyle said that Mr Ryan and others, not the Bernies, were outside, and there was a further argument. Gardaí asked them to go home in a different direction, the court was told.
Ms Boyle said Mr Ryan and the two Bernie brothers were walking across a bridge when Mr Skerritt saw them and ran down steps towards the river. Mr Ryan and the two brothers followed Mr Skerritt.
Ms Boyle said the two brothers hit and kicked Mr Skerritt and then backed off, while Mr Ryan hit Mr Skerritt also before pushing him into the river.
His body was found some days later in the river.
The trial continues.