The jury in the trial of a 35-year-old man, who is accused of murdering John 'King' O'Connor in New Ross, Co Wexford, on New Year's Eve 2024, has been discharged.
Wayne Roche, previously of Dominic’s Place in Waterford city, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr O’Connor on 31 December 2024.
The trial opened yesterday before a jury of six men and six women at the Central Criminal Court in Waterford.
However, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath said this afternoon that a member of the jury had recognised a close family member of someone who is "intimately involved in the case".
The judge said that given it was still at an early stage in the trial, it was better to start "afresh" and empanel an entirely new jury.
Mr Justice McGrath said this had occurred through no fault of anyone, and he thanked the jury for their service.
The judge said an issue such as this can particularly arise where the families of both the accused and the deceased are well-known in the area.
The trial is expected to begin again before a new 12-member jury at Waterford Courthouse tomorrow morning.
Three weeks have been set aside for the trial to be completed.
