The trial of a man charged with the manslaughter of three elderly sisters on Inishbofin Island two years ago collapsed yesterday at Galway Circuit Criminal Court.
The jury was discharged minutes before the second day of the trial of Mr Alan Murphy (26), Spelga Avenue, Newcastle, Co Down, was about to begin.
It is believed this was because a garda in charge of the jury had had tea with its members.
The accused denies seven charges, including the unlawful killing of Mrs Eileen Coyne (81) and her two sisters, Mrs Bridget McFadden (80) and Miss Margaret Concannon (72), at Middle quarter, Inishbofin, on July 6th, 1999. He denies setting fire to Mrs Coyne's house.
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A retrial has been rescheduled for next Tuesday when a new jury will be sworn in.