A 25-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of a Kilkenny postmaster in December last year.
Shu Shen, with an address at the Old Rectory, New Ross, Co Wexford, had admitted killing 32-year-old Alan Cunniffe after a robbery at a post office in Kilkenny but had denied the charge of murder.
He will be sentenced on Friday when victim impact statements will be heard.
Shu Shen caught a bus to Kilkenny on 8 December last year. He went into the post office at John's Green at midday, armed with a modified air pistol and a knife.
He threatened the women behind the counter and demanded money. He put more than €13,000 in cash into a rucksack and said 'Thanks' to the postal clerks as he left.
Alan Cunniffe, 32, arrived at the post office as Shen was leaving. Mr Cunniffe had taken over the running of the family business just two days previously. He chased after Shu Shen and tried to get the money back.
When Mr Cunniffe caught up with him outside this factory and grabbed his bag, Shen shot him once in the stomach.
Mr Cunniffe died in hospital a short time later.
Shu Shen told gardaí the shooting was an accident. He said he was an asylum seeker, had no money, could not get a work visa and was depressed.
He said he did not think the gun would work.
Shen claimed he was fleeing persecution in China because of his membership of Falun gong.
Representatives of Falun Gong in Ireland issued a statement pointing out that killing is strictly forbidden in the practice of Falun Gong.
The jury of six men and six women took just over an hour and a half to find Shu Shen guilty of murder.
Alan Cunniffe's mother, Muriel held hands with other family members after the verdict was announced.
Shu Shen will be sentenced on Friday morning for the murder, as well as for robbery and the possession of a firearm.
Victim impact evidence from Mr Cunniffe's family will also be heard on Friday.
