The accused told gardaí in his interviews that he repeatedly punched his friend Juris Kokenbergs in self-defence after the deceased "came at" him, having drunkenly asked the defendant's mother for sex three times.

Tomas Cypas (pictured), with an address at Foxborough Road, Lucan, Co Dublin has pleaded not guilty to murdering Juris Kokenbergs (49) at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin on October 28th, 2024.

35-year-old Tomas Cypas (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to murdering Juris Kokenbergs (49) at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin, on October 28th, 2024.

The 12 jurors were also told by defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC on Wednesday that the accused Tomas Cypas admits hitting the deceased "over the course of the particular weekend".

Tomas Cypas, 33, was refused bail when he appeared before Judge Mark O'Connell at Blanchardstown District Court on Wednesday.