A man accused of killing Mr Josie Dwyer refused to give gardai a blood sample and told them he was afraid of needles, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told yesterday.
Mr Mark Alford allegedly told gardai he would have to be unconscious before he could have a needle placed in his body. Garda Matthew Smith was recalled to give rebuttal evidence and told Mr George Birmingham SC, prosecuting, that Mr Alford gave no reason for his refusal. In law, a jury is entitled to make an inference against an accused person who refuses to allow gardai take a blood sample.
All evidence has been heard and barristers have started their final speeches. The jury will begin its deliberations after it has been charged by Judge Patrick McCartan.
