It looks like I’ll be taking up residence in the Four Courts again from tomorrow.  The jury for the trial of Gerald Barry, accused of the murder of Swiss language student Manuela Riedo, is due to be sworn in tomorrow.

17-year-old Manuela’s body was found on waste ground close to the railway line at Lough Atalia in October 2007.  She had only been in Ireland for three days, here to take part in a two week intensive English language course.

27-year-old Gerald Barry with an address at Rosan Glas, Rahoon denies the murder.  He also denies the theft of a mobile phone and a camera.

The trial is expected to last around two and a half weeks and it’s one of those trials that will get a lot of attention. Manuela’s parents Hans-Peter and Arlette have travelled, along with her aunt, two of her teachers and a school friend, to attend the trial.

The six men and six women in the jury will begin hearing evidence tomorrow.