A murder accused told gardai he lunged at his girlfriend's brother with a knife because he was afraid the man would "loaf" him.
Mr Mark Kinsella (27), of Whitestown Crescent, Blanchardstown, admits he killed his former girlfriend's brother, Mr Thomas Fetherston (38), of Tower View, Trim, Co Meath, at a house in Corduff Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on November 22nd, 1998, but denies murder.
The jury heard that Mr Kinsella told gardai he stabbed Mr Fetherston because he was "afraid of a fight, afraid of a kick in the nuts, you know, bouncer tactics. I picked up the knife off the counter and lunged at Thomas".
Evidence was interrupted a number of times due to poor acoustics in the court. Mr Justice Herbert criticised the conditions, calling the courtroom "singularly unsuitable for a murder trial".
The trial continues today.
