BREAKING NEWS: Mayo youth is cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter

A JURY at the Central Criminal Court has returned a manslaughter verdict in the trial of a Mayo youth accused of murdering another teenager prior to Christmas 2015.

The accused had denied murdering Dovydas Jenkas (17), Mount Street, Claremorris, in the early hours of December 19, 2015.

The victim died from a single stab in the garden of a house after being chased around a trampoline by his attacker who was wielding a home made knife.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied murder telling gardaí the death was accidental that he was carrying the knife to scare his victim.

After deliberating for a total of two hours and six minutes, the-12 person jury today, at the Central Criminal Court in Castlebar, returned a verdict of not guilty on the murder charge but guilty of manslaughter.

He is to remain on bail until his sentencing in October.

The accused's legal team consisted of Mr. Patrick McGrath, senior counsel, instructed by barrister Mr. Desmond Dockery and Mr. Evan O'Dwyer of O'Dwyer Solicitors, Ballyhaunis.

Mr. Patrick McGrath, senior counsel, instructed by Mr. Patrick Reynolds B.L., prosecuted.