Alleged victim 'very abusive' towards manslaughter accused, trial hears

A manslaughter trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard evidence regarding the character of the deceased man in the case. Ronan Byrne, aged 31, of Lohunda Downs, Clonsilla, Blanchardstown, Dublin, pleads not guilty to the unlawful killing of James Marren, aged 57, at that address on 31 October 2013. He also denies producing a baseball bat during a dispute and assaulting Mr Marren on 26 October 2013. The prosecution alleges Mr Byrne fractured the victim's leg with a bat, leading to complications including a fatal blood clot. During the sixth day of trial, the court heard a statement from the deceased man's son describing the victim as heavily drinking and abusive towards the accused and his family members. The witness stated he had not seen his father for four years prior to his death due to the pattern of abusive behaviour. The prosecution formally closed its case before the jury. Judge Patricia Ryan presides over the trial, which continues.