The trial of Co Mayo farmer Padraig Nally for the manslaughter of John Ward in 2004 has been adjourned because Mr Nally has been taken to hospital.
Mr Justice O'Higgins told the Central Criminal Court jury this morning that 62-year-old Mr Nally, from Funshinaugh, Cross, Co Mayo, was taken to hospital last night for the investigation of a medical complaint.
Mr Justice O'Higgins told the jury that, as a result, Mr Nally would be unable to attend the court today.
The judge added that in the circumstances the trial could not continue today; he adjourned it until 11am on Monday.
Mr Nally is charged with the manslaughter of John 'Frog' Ward at the former's farmhouse in Co Mayo on 14 October 2004.
Mr Ward, with an address at Carrowbrowne Halting Site in Galway, died after being shot twice with a single barrel shotgun and beaten with a stick.
Mr Nally denies the charge of manslaughter.
