He is accused of conspiring with others to falsely imprison his former Head of Security in June 2015.
Closing speeches are underway in Jim Mansfield Junior’s trial before the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
The son of the late hotelier, Jim Mansfield Senior, is accused of conspiring with others to falsely imprison his former Head of Security in June 2015.
Our Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney reports:
"The prosecuting barrister, Shane Costelloe, addressed the judges for a final time today – almost a full year since he opened his case.
Jim Mansfield Junior is accused of taking part in a conspiracy with others to have Martin Byrne, falsely imprisoned for the purpose of removing him from his home, which belonged to the Mansfields.
He also denies directing another employee to destroy evidence.
Mr Costelloe claims he lured Mr Byrne to the location of the abduction.
He accused him of being “essential” to what he described as an “elaborate plan” and, in his opinion, he said it was “ludicrous” to suggest that he didn’t know what was going to happen.
Mr Mansfield denies any wrongdoing and his barrister is now making his final pitch on behalf of his client."