The jury in the trial of an Irish celebrity accused of the defilement of a child has been told it can return a majority verdict.

The man, who is now in his 40s but cannot be named for legal reasons, denies the allegations against him.

He is accused of engaging in three sexual acts with the then 16-year-old girl when he was in his 20s in Dublin in 2010.

He has pleaded not guilty.

The jurors this afternoon asked the judge for guidance on what happens if they can't reach a unanimous decision.

Judge Pauline Codd told them they can now reach a majority verdict.

They have been deliberating for almost five hours.