The jry in the trial of a Co Down man who is charged with the manslaughter of three elderly sisters on Inishbofin island two years ago was sent to a hotel last night after it failed to reach a verdict after three hours.
Mr Alan Murphy (27), of Spelga Avenue, Newcastle, denies the manslaughter of Ms Eileen Coyne (81), at Middle-quarter, Inishbofin, on July 6th, 1999.
He also denies the manslaughter of her two sisters, Ms Bridget McFadden (80) and Ms Margaret Concannon (72), and to setting fire to Ms Coyne's house on the same date, endangering the lives of the sisters. The jury will resume its deliberations this morning.