Witness 'terrified' of Offaly brothers on trial for murder
The main witness in the trial of two brothers accused of murdering a Co Offaly farmer, has told the Central Criminal Court that he was “afraid” and “terrified” of the two accused.
Daniel-Joseph "DJ" Byrne (aged 38), of Hammer Lane, Borness, Mountmellick, Co Laois and Jason Byrne (aged 32), of the same address, have both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Edward “Eddie” Dempsey (aged 49), on October 11, 2007.
The deceased's brother John Dempsey told the jury of six men and six women that on December 18, 2006, the two accused “invited” Eddie into their yard to get a heifer that had strayed onto their land.
He said the two accused “turned on“ his brother and began beating him once he got inside the gate.
Eddie Dempsey, a married father of two, died in Portlaoise Hospital in October 2007, 10 months after the alleged assault.
Counsel for the defence Mr John Short put it to Mr Dempsey that he, his brother and their farm worker Tom Gorman all approached the Byrne's farmyard on the day in question.
Mr Dempsey denied that saying “we were told to come in and get our heifer".
Mr Short asked the witness why they went to the farmyard in the first place if they were so afraid and terrified of the two accused.
Mr Dempsey replied that they had to get their heifer.
The trial continues.
