Courts / Limerick / Report

Jury begin deliberations in Limerick murder trial

Summary

The jury has begun deliberating the case of Christopher McNamara, a 21‑year‑old Limerick man, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. The trial, held at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park, concerns Boyce's death between 6 and 7 March 2011. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan explained that the defence has raised the question of whether the offence should be classified as murder or manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Micheál P. O'Higgins SC, has argued that Boyce was a defenseless victim and that no help was called. The defence, also represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, has asked the jury to consider whether McNamara intended to kill or cause serious injury, citing Professor Marie Cassidy's evidence on the uncertainty of the cause of death. Mr Justice Sheehan noted that McNamara's statements to the Gardaí did not match the CCTV footage, and that people may lie for various reasons.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury begin deliberations in Limerick murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder of James Boyce (71) at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park in Limerick between March 6 2011 and March 7 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 6 2011 Other
• March 7 2011 Other
• 2014-01-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report