A Louth man has been found not guilty of the attempted murder and false imprisonment of another man in Co Meath.

The alleged victim said he was stabbed 28 times and placed in the boot of a car, which was pushed into a canal in Slane in November 2016.

During this trial, 33-year-old Gerard Boyle said a man called Paul Crosby had stabbed him numerous times when they went for a drive and a chat about broken windows at Mr Boyle's home.

He claimed he offered him money to stop, but said Mr Crosby then made him get into the boot of a car which was pushed into a canal.

He managed to get out by pushing the back seat and made his way to shore where he raised the alarm.

Mr Boyle was brought to hospital in an unstable condition where it was discovered he had been stabbed 28 times.

It was not disputed that Mr Boyle was injured that night, but what was in question was who attacked him.

He claimed it was the accused man Paul Crosby - Mr Crosby said he was not there.

Paul Crosby denied the charges.

After deliberating for just 43 minutes, the jurors cleared Mr Crosby - of Rathmullen Park in Drogheda - of all three charges of attempted murder, false imprisonment and causing serious harm.

Mr Crosby's family exclaimed in relief and hugged him before the judge told the 23-year-old he was formally discharged - meaning he was free to go.

Reporting by Stephanie Rohan