An "unfortunate situation" has led to the discharge of a jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering his friend in circumstances of "almost indescribable savagery".
Liam O'Leary, 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 58-year-old John Casserley at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit on Tone Street, Ballina, Co Mayo between 23 and 24 October 2024.
Mr O'Leary's trial began at the Central Criminal Court eight days ago and it had been expected that the prosecution would complete its evidence this week.
However, Ms Justice Melanie Greally told the jury that due to an "unfortunate situation", the trial cannot continue.
She thanked them for doing their civic duty by agreeing to sit in what she said has been "a deeply disturbing and unpleasant trial".
She excused the jurors from further service for five years.
The case will be mentioned again before the court on 15 April.
Opening the trial on 10 March, prosecution senior counsel Dean Kelly told the jury Mr Casserley died in circumstances of "almost indescribable savagery", having been stabbed 27 times.
