Kerryman (79) cleared of Isle of Man manslaughter

An Isle of Man court has cleared 79-year-old Kerryman, Mr Benny Moore, of manslaughter.

An Isle of Man court has cleared 79-year-old Kerryman, Mr Benny Moore, of manslaughter.

Two weeks ago the judge reserved judgment on the Dingle man charges should go forward to jury trial.

Today Judge TM Moyle, the High Bailiff on the Isle of Man decided that on the basis of the evidence before him, a reasonable jury would not convict.

"The prosecution is asking the jury to fill in the gaps with speculation," he told the court.

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"A jury, properly directed, could not convict. You are free to go," he told Mr Moore.

The prosecution had alleged that Mr Richard Benedict (Benny) Moore had non-consensual sex with Ms Maureen Fox in a Douglas hotel room last October which had contributed to her death.

The defence, however, asked for the case to be withdrawn. They said the prosecution's claim was based on speculation, and there was no evidence to support the case.

Mr Moore was originally charged with murder but the charge was later reduced to manslaughter.