Mark Doyle was due to testify in the trial of Karl Breen (27) for the murder of Martin McLaughlin in Jury's Inn, Croke Park on 1 January 2006.

Doyle was forced to go to Spain after being warned that he would be killed if he appeared in court. His house was shot at during an 18-month campaign of intimidation.

A jury yesterday found Breen guilty of manslaughter but not guilty of murder. He admitted stabbing 21 year-old McLaughlin three times.

Breen, who has dozens of convictions for minor offences, is due back in court on Wednesday and was warned by Judge Kevin O'Higgins that he can expect a lengthy jail sentence.

The victim's father Martin McLaughlin senior said the family would have to accept the court decision. "That's the law and that's what has to be done. We're not coping very well at the minute; we're doing the best we can."