Jury in deadlock about man accused of putting fist through painting at National Gallery
The trial of a Dublin man accused of putting his fist through a Claude Monet painting at the National Gallery has ended with the jury in deadlock.
48-year-old Andrew Shannon of Willans Way, Ongar defended a charge of criminal damage by claiming his serious heart condition caused him to “collapse” against the art work on June 29th, 2012.
Experts are working to restore the large rip in the 1874 impressionist masterpiece which is valued at €10m.
The prosecution claimed the damage to Monet’s Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat was caused by a deliberate act of vandalism.
One eyewitness, visiting the National Gallery on holiday from New Zealand, gave evidence Andrew Shannon’s fist was like a hammer as it struck the painting.
But the defence argued the 48-year-old has a heart condition and that he felt faint and collapsed on the art work.
After nearly nine hours of deliberations spread over three days, the jury agreed to disagree.
These things happen said Judge Des Hogan who remanded Andrew Shannon in custody until tomorrow when he will apply for bail.
The jury has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict in the trial.
