The jury in the trial of a Dublin man for murder was discharged today as there was no judge available to hear the case and a suitable alternative date could not be found.
The case was adjourned to Monday, but Mr Justice Michael Peart discharged the jury in the case of Mr Ivor Sweetman (53), after the court heard an expert witness would not be able to attend on the new date. Mr Justice Michael Peart also said there would be problems finding a court to hear the case.
The court had heard the witness was a linguistics expert who would be overseas when his evidence would be required.
Mr Sweetman - with an address at Bawnlea Green, Jobstown, Tallaght, in Dublin - had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Co Tipperary farmer Danny Fanning (71) on his Stephenstown property on February 6th, 1996.
He had also pleaded not guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Fanning's wife Brigid and daughter Roseleen, as well as possession of a sawn-off shotgun to endanger life or property. Mr Fanning died after he was shot in the knee outside his home in Stephenstown, Rosegreen, in Cashel.
The jury was sworn in to try the case last Monday, but it was adjourned until today because no judge was available. The case is expected to be rescheduled for trial.