The family of a murdered Co Donegal man say they are devastated at the decision by the State not to press ahead with a case against the man charged with the murder.
A charge of murder against a 53-year-old Samuel Clarke, who was charged with the killing of Seamus Doherty, aged 67 years at Drumacanoo, Churchill on June 16th, 2012 was dropped today.
Mr Clarke, from Magherennan, Raphoe, was due to go on trial at the Central Criminal Court this morning, and was present when his case was called before justice Patrick McCarthy.
However, Brendan Grehan SC, prosecuting, said a nolle prosequi was being entered; meaning the State would not be proceeding with the prosecution.
The family of murdered Mr Doherty told Donegal Daily they are devastated by the decision.
“We are absolutely devastated that the murder charge against Samuel James Clarke was not pursued this morning in the Central Criminal Court.
“We have suffered beyond comprehension since the murder of our dad on the 16/17th June 2012.
“Further, for the public record we understand that a key prosecution witness in this case died suddenly on the 6th January last.”
Nobody else has been charged in connection with the murder of the well-known horse dealer.