The jury is beginning deliberations in the trial of an alleged stabbing in Longford 4 years ago.
Denis Hannifin of Curry, Athlone Road, has pleaded not guilty of the assault of Denis McGinley as well as to charges of affray and possession and production of a weapon capable of causing serious harm at Longford Shopping Centre on the 7th of December, 2018.
Prosecution Barrister Shane Geraghty branded the defendant as a 'dishonest man' following evidence he lied in his original garda statement over the possession of a phone taken from the scene of the confrontation.
Addressing the accused's argument of self-defence, he suggested to the jury that any action taken in self-defence must be proportional, which he says this was not.
According to the prosecution, Denis Hannifin 'made shreds' of the victim's jumper and 'made shreds of his body.'
Making his own closing statement, counsel for the defense, Barry White, stated that by law, an individual is entitled to use reasonable force in defence of their life.
Mr White claimed that his client, Mr Hannifin, was caught in the 'agony of the moment' following what he called a vicious assault on him by Denis McGinley.
The defence claims that Mr McGinley was the first to produce the implement, with Denis Hannifin then disarming him of it.
Addressing claims that Mr Hannifin originally held the knife, counsel for defence also suggested to the jury that 'one can always carry a knife for self defence.'
Judge Francis Comerford has charged the jury and deliberations will resume tomorrow.
