Jury Discharged in New Ross Murder Trial to Restart with New Panel

A jury in the trial of a 35-year-old man accused of the murder of John “King” O’Connor in New Ross, Co Wexford, on New Year’s Eve 2024 has been stood down.

The accused, Wayne Roche, formerly of Dominic’s Place in Waterford City, denies the charge relating to the death of Mr O’Connor on December 31st, 2024.

Proceedings had begun yesterday at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Waterford, with a jury made up of six men and six women.

However, the trial was halted this afternoon after it emerged that one juror had identified a close relative of a person closely connected to the case.

Mr Justice Patrick McGrath said that, given the early stage of proceedings, it was preferable to discharge the jury and restart the trial with a new panel.

He stressed that the situation arose through no wrongdoing by those involved and expressed his appreciation to the jury for their time.

The judge also noted that situations like this can occur in cases where both the accused and the deceased are from well-known local families.

The case is now due to recommence tomorrow morning at Waterford Courthouse before a newly selected 12-person jury, with three weeks allocated for the hearing.