One of the accused in the Brian Murphy manslaughter trial told gardai that if he could turn the clock back and change everything he would, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard.
The court previously heard that Desmond Ryan told gardai he punched Brian Murphy in the face and jaw area as he tried to get up off the ground.
He also said in an interview following his arrest on September 26th, 2000, that he got involved in the fight because he saw Andrew Frame and Sean Mackey, two other accused, having an altercation with four or five guys.
Mr Brendan Grehan SC, prosecuting, read out to the jury the interview notes that Sergeant Desmond McHale took from Mr Ryan on the date of his arrest.
He said he had never seen Brian Murphy before and didn't know what started the fight. He said he didn't hit anyone else, other than the deceased and was only involved for about five seconds.
Mr Ryan told gardai he turned away after he punched Mr Murphy because "he was getting the s*** kicked out of him" and when he turned back he just saw "loads of feet". He said Brian Murphy was conscious when he walked away.
Mr Ryan denied to the gardai that he kicked Brian Murphy and said in that interview: "The guy should be at home with his family. He should be going to college and enjoying himself. If I could turn the clock back I would. There is a kid dead over it. He should be at home, having fun with his friends."
Sgt McHale agreed with Mr Patrick Gageby SC, for Mr Ryan, that his client was a man with no previous convictions.
Andrew Frame (22), from Nutley Lane, Donnybrook, Sean Mackey (23), from South Park, Foxrock, Desmond Ryan (23), from Cunningham Road, Dalkey, all Co Dublin, and Dermot Laide (22), from Rossvale, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan have pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of 18-year-old Mr Murphy at Sussex Road on August 31, 2000.
The four former Blackrock College students have also denied committing violent disorder by using or threatening to use unlawful violence on the same date.
Mr Grehan also read to the jury an excerpt from the toxicology report that confirmed that Brian Murphy's blood was screened and tested for illicit substances following his death and there was traces of cannabis found.
The jury were also shown CCTV footage of Andrew Frame entering the nightclub on the night, which proved that his hair was black at the time. Earlier evidence from some witnesses indicated that Mr Frame's hair may have had highlights or contained peroxide.
They were also shown the video footage of Dermot Laide being refused entry to Club Anabel's on the night and later outside the disco talking to some people.
Mr Grehan also read to the jury an extract from the statement of Dr Michael Burrington, from the forensic science laboratory, which said that he received a blood sample from Dermot Laide and from Brian Murphy, as well as a swab from a small blood stain on Mr Laide's left shoe.
It confirmed that the DNA profile obtained from the shoe matched Mr Laide's
own profile and not Brian Murphy's.
Yesterday, the 22nd day of the trial, the prosecution officially closed its case in front of the jury of eight men and four women.
Judge Michael White told the jury that there were now a number of issues that needed to be dealt with in its absence and asked it to return on Friday morning.
He apologised to them that the case had overrun somewhat and but added that it was often the way in a lengthy, complicated trial.