Nelson dad’s birthday drink death - barmen to face trial in May

The trial of two barmen charged with the manslaughter of a young father-of-two from Nelson has been adjourned until May.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Feb 2011, 07:05 BST

Mr Graham Parish (26), of Calder Terrace, Nelson, died as a result of acute alcohol intoxication following birthday celebrations in the Republic of Ireland.

The landmark prosecution sees two men, bar manager Gary Wright and barman Aidan Dalton, who worked at the Hayes Hotel in Thurles, County Tipperary, where Mr Parish was a guest, charged with his unlawful killing on June 30th, 2008. Following a night’s socialising, Mr Parish choked to death on his vomit.

After a lengthy investigation by the Garda – Eire’s police – it is the first “liquor liability” case of its kind in Ireland.

Nenagh Circuit Court heard this week that a pathologist, who was due to give evidence on the behalf of the defence, was outside the jurisdiction and unavailable as an expert witness.

The case has been adjourned until Tuesday, May 3rd.