A Limerick man suffered a fractured skull caused by blows from a pick-axe handle and multiple stab wounds to the neck and body, a murder trial heard yesterday.
It was the first day of the trial of 23-year-old Mr Gary Kirby (23), Hyde Road, Limerick, at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick. Hedenies the murder of Mr Trevor McNamara at O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, on September 13th, 2002.Counsel for the State, Mr Michael Collins BL, said forensic evidence would establish that a pick-axe handle was used by the accused to beat the victim. The jury heard that evidence would also show that a knife was also used to repeatedly stab the victim. Blood staining on walls and on the clothes of the accused were consistent with the victim receiving a number of blows while he lay on the ground.
The court heard that Mr McNamara had six lacerations to his head and that his skull had been fractured, causing major trauma and brain damage.
Forensic evidence would also establish that Mr McNamara had suffered five stab wounds to the neck and a further five stab wounds to the body.
Two of the knife wounds to the body had penetrated the victim's heart and liver. The trial, which is expected to last for one week, continues today before Mr Justice Carney.