The 38-year old was charged with unlawfully killing Mr Brennan on March 6, 2024
Joseph Brennan died following the suspected altercation
A Belfast man was today (Monday) told he will stand trial later this year on a charge of manslaughter.
The charge arises from the death of Joseph Brennan, who passed away in hospital following a suspected altercation outside a bar in the west of the city in March 2024.
Joseph Martin Dempsey from Clonard Gardens appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court where he was arraigned on a single count of manslaughter.
The 38-year old was charged with unlawfully killing Mr Brennan on March 6, 2024 and when asked how he pleaded to the charge, Dempsey replied “not guilty.”
When she enquired about “matters that need to be prepared” ahead of a trial, Madam Justice McBride was addressed by a defence barrister who spoke of “two matters.”
These, the KC said, were an expert examination of Dempsey’s mental health and intellectual functioning and the defence seeking its own forensic pathologist.
A trial date of November 18 was set by the senior judge, and after saying she would review the case on September 18, Madam Justice McBride released Dempsey on continuing bail ahead of his trial.
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