A Dublin man who beat his best friend to death in a drunken brawl will be sentenced in June.
Paul Rice (26) attacked Keith Mills during an argument in 2008 after they had been drinking together for two days.
Mr Mills was punched and kicked in the head during the assault and was in a coma for 10 days before being pronounced dead due to brain injuries.
Rice, of Clanhugh Road, Donnycarney, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the manslaughter of Mr Mills in Ayrfield on December 22nd, 2008.
Inspector Colm Murphy told Elva Duffy, prosecuting, that gardaí were called to a flat on Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, at about 2am in relation to an assault. Rice was arrested at the scene for a public order offence due to his drunken state.
He was released without charge and moved to Belfast, but was arrested a year later after a European arrest warrant was issued. He admitted to manslaughter and said he attacked his friend because he had hit his sister with a belt.
Judge Margaret Heneghan adjourned sentencing until June 8th.