A Dublin man has pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the manslaughter of another man in Finglas last year.
Patrick O'Connell (35), of Ratoath Avenue, Finglas, Dublin, initially pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Vincent Harford (35), of Sutton, Co Dublin, on May 27th, 1997 at Ratoath Avenue in Finglas, Co Dublin.
But later, O'Connell's counsel, Mr Fergal Foley, asked Mr Justice Carney to "let the matter stand" for 10 minutes as there "might be a significant development that might relieve the court's time upon re turning". When O'Connell returned, he was rearraigned and pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter.
Mr Paul O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, said the plea was acceptable to the State.
O'Connell was remanded on bail until October 9th next pending the preparation of probation and welfare reports.