A jury at Wexford Circuit Court has failed to reach verdict in the trial of two people in relation to the death of Wexford woman Evelyn Joel (58).
Eleanor Joel (37), and her partner Jonathan Costen (39), of Cluain Dara, Enniscorthy, had pleaded not guilty to unlawful killing on January 7th, 2006. They were alleged to have unlawfully killed Evelyn Joel by neglect.
Following three-and-a-half hours of deliberation today, the foreman of the jury told the court it could not reach a verdict in the case.
Judge Gerard Griffin asked the foreman if the jury would be able to reach a majority 10-1 verdict if given additional time, but the foreman said that he did not believe they could reach a majority verdict so Judge Griffin discharged them from the case.
Prosecution counsel, Justin Dillon SC, asked to have the matter re-entered in the next criminal sessions in Wexford in January to allow the State consider its position. Judge Griffin granted the application and remanded both accused on continuing bail to January 11th.
