The father of Robert Holohan has said he was stunned when he was told that his neighbour, Wayne O'Donoghue, had been arrested over his son's death.
The 11-year-old's body was discovered at Inch Strand near Midleton in Co Cork last January.
O'Donoghue, 21, from Ballyedmond, Midleton, denies the murder of Robert Holohan in January of this year, but admits manslaughter.
Mark Holohan also told the jury how the accused was among the first group of neighbours who gathered to search for Robert, and said he seemed very anxious. He added that his son idolised his older neighbour.
Earlier, the jury heard from Robert's mother Majella Holohan. She said she was astonished when she was told that the accused had admitted killing her son.
She told the Central Criminal Court in Cork that her son had adored him like an older brother.
In a voice breaking with emotion, Mrs Holohan said she became concerned for her son on the afternoon of 4 January this year.
She left a message on his new mobile saying 'Robert it's Mam, give me a buzz'. She phoned neighbours, including the accused, who told her he had not seen Robert since 2.30pm that afternoon.
She told the jury how the accused, along with his father and brothers, called to her home offering assistance and that Wayne O'Donoghue had told her not to worry and had phoned Robert's mobile himself.
Judge slams media reports
Meanwhile, the judge in the trial has said there have been 'extraordinary inaccuracies' in the media reporting of the trial so far.
Mr Justice Paul Carney warned the jury that they must try the case only on the basis of the evidence which they hear in court.
Yesterday the court heard how the accused told gardaí he had grabbed the schoolboy by the neck but did not mean to kill him.
Robert died from asphyxia caused by manual strangulation, the jury heard.
