The jury in the trial of barrister, law lecturer and farmer Diarmuid Rossa Phelan, who is accused of murdering a trespasser on his land in February 2022, has begun considering its verdict.
Mr Phelan, 56, denies murdering 35-year-old Keith Conlon in February 2022 at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane in Tallaght in Dublin.
Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford finished her charge to the jury yesterday.
This morning, Ms Justice Lankford supplied the 12 jurors with a document described as a route map, that outlines suggestions and methods as to how they may arrive at a verdict.
The jury was told it is up to them how they choose to use the information included in the route map, and they are under no obligation to follow it.
The jury have been instructed that there are three possible verdicts open to them: murder, manslaughter or acquittal.
They have also been provided with a list of exhibits that were referenced during the trial that they can consult during their deliberations.
Ms Justice Lankford told the jury they have to reach a unanimous verdict.
The trial is now in its tenth week after beginning on 17 October.
The jury has concluded its deliberations for day one and will resume considering its verdict on Friday.
The trial has heard that Mr Conlon was one of three men trespassing on Mr Phelan's farm on 22 February 2022.
The men were involved in fox bolting or badger baiting on the land, with dogs.
Mr Phelan shot a dog belonging to one of the men with his rifle after hearing barking while he was working on the land, and was then confronted by two of the men. He claimed they "exploded" out of some bushes after he shot the dog and continued to advance towards them while he retreated.
He told gardaí he was in fear for his life.
The jury has seen a video recorded on Mr Conlon's mobile phone in which he threatens to call gardaí and tells Mr Phelan "you’re f**ked now". It has also heard a recording of a 999 call made by Mr Phelan in which he seeks urgent assistance from gardaí while being followed by Mr Conlon and his friend Kalum Coleman.
Mr Phelan told gardaí he fired three warning shots with a revolver, after the men continued to advance towards him. He said he fired in the air and had no intention of shooting anyone.
The prosecution claims Mr Phelan deliberately shot Mr Conlon in the back of the head as he had turned to leave.
Mr Phelan’s case is that he had no intent to kill or cause serious injury.
The defence says the third shot hit Mr Conlon accidentally, due to a combination of factors, including the inaccuracy of the weapon, Mr Phelan's fear and distress and the movements of Mr Conlon.
The defence also claims Mr Phelan was acting in self defence.
Mr Conlon died two days later in hospital on 24 February 2022.
