Cork postman's murder trial to resume next week as absent juror due to return on Monday

The Doneraile postman's murder trial will not resume until Monday next, due to the continued absence of one of the 12 jurors.

Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford said the absent juror had informed the court that she would be in a position to return for the trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork on Monday. The juror was unable to attend court today and yesterday.

On Monday June 29, Ms Justice Lankford will commence what is called the judge’s charge to the jury, which will consist of explaining the relevant law in the case and summarising the evidence.

When the judge’s charge to the jury is complete, the seven women and five men of the jury will deliberate on their verdicts in respect of two remaining defendants.

20-year-old Alex Deady of Glenview, Convent Road, Doneraile, County Cork, and a 17-year-old each face a charge of murdering 44-year-old Barry Daly at Rockview Terrace in Doneraile on October 12 2025. Alex Deady and the 17-year-old pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, at the outset of the trial.

The jury no longer has to consider the case against a third accused. On June 24 Ms Justice Siobhán Lankford said: “In your absence there has been a development and I can now tell you that (16-year-old, who cannot be named as he is a juvenile) will be re-arraigned before you.” 

The murder charge was then read to him and he replied: “Not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.” 

Prosecution senior counsel Lorcan Staines said: “That plea of manslaughter is acceptable to the DPP.”