A Dublin man who taunted relatives returning from a funeral later stabbed one of them to death, the Central Criminal Court was told yesterday.
His accomplice, Stephen McNeil, was later overcome with remorse and confessed to gardai.
McNeil (22) of St James's Walk, Rialto, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Liam Thompson (20) at Dolphin Road, Rialto on January 26th, 1999. Mr Justice Smith adjourned sentencing to March 27th.
Mr Michael Durack SC, prosecuting, said Mr Thompson and three relatives were returning from his grandfather's funeral when they were confronted by McNeil's accomplice who told them he would give them AIDS, and a fight broke out.
McNeil went home and collected the steak knife which he later gave to his friend. They followed the mourners down the road and McNeil's friend stabbed Mr Thompson before running away.
Mr Justice Smith remanded McNeil on continuing bail.