The jury in the trial of a man accused of punching a hole in a €10m Monet painting has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.
Andrew Shannon of Willans Way, Ongar admitted causing the damage at the National Gallery but claimed it was an accident.
After 9 hours of deliberations, the jury returned to the courtroom just before 3.30 to tell Judge Desmond Hogan they were at deadlock.
The Circuit Court Judge then discharged the jurors after he was assured more time wouldn't help overcome this impasse.
During the trial, the court heard how Monet's "Ar-jen-toy Basin with a Single Sailboat" was damaged in the museum's Millenium Wing on June 29th 2012.
Two tourists from New Zealand claimed Andrew Shannon lunged at the painting with a raised fist and deliberately punched it.
His defence argued that their client, who has a history of heart problems, accidentally collapsed on it after feeling faint.
But after hearing seven days of evidence, the jury has failed to deliver a verdict on whether there was any intent.
Mr. Shannon has been in custody for the last 18 months and a fresh bail application is due to be heard in the morning pending a possible retrial.
