In her opening, Gerardine Small SC is outlining what the offence of murder is and the basics of any criminal trial.

She is explaining how gardaí investigate reports of a criminal offence and when concluded a report is sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The DPP then decides what, if any, charge should be made against the individual.

Ms Small said that during an investigation gardaÍ take statements from witnesses and these make up the book of evidence.

But, she said, the jury won't get that book of evidence because the evidence the jury must rely on is what is heard in court.