A man accused of murder, who has been convicted of robbery, will spend Christmas with his family. At the Central Criminal Court yesterday, Mr Justice Herbert deferred sentencing John Cleary (23) until February 1st and released him on bail.
A jury this week convicted Cleary of robbery, but failed to agree a verdict on the more serious charge of murder. That charge has been put back for retrial.
Cleary, of St Mark's Avenue, Clondalkin, denied murder but pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Kenneth Foley (45) in 1999.
Mr Foley was found dead at a flat complex in Inchicore. Cleary was found guilty of robbing a gold signet ring and a gold watch from Foley. He had denied the charge.