A man accused of murdering a man in a row over the breeding of Chihuahuas insists he had to use force to defend his friend.

Wayne Cluskey and his friend Josh Turner, both of Mooretown in Ratoath, Co. Meath, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christopher Nevin.

Both men admit striking Mr Nevin with an axe.

Mr Cluskey's lawyer said he had an honestly held belief that he needed to use force to defend his friend and that the force used was proportionate.

His co-accused claims he was provoked and completely lost control.

Our Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney was in court: