The State has withdrawn a manslaughter charge against a 37-year-old man after he pleaded guilty to a separate count of withholding information from gardaí.

Marian Lingurar of Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork was before Galway Circuit Criminal Court.

When his trial resumed this afternoon, he was re-arraigned on a charge of withholding information, contrary to Section 9 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1998.

Lingurar pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to disclose information on dates between 25 September and 4 October 2011; that he knew or believed could be of assistance to gardaí, in securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of any other person in respect of the death of John Kenny.

The body of Mr Kenny was found at his pub on Main Street, Oughterard on 25 September 2011.

Shane Costello, SC for the State, told Judge Rory McCabe that the guilty plea was acceptable to the DPP.

In light of this, he said the State intended to apply for a nolle prosequi in respect of a manslaughter charge.

Judge McCabe noted this and dismissed the jury of six men and six women.

Mr Costello told the court that the family of Mr Kenny needed time to prepare a report for consideration at the sentencing hearing.

He said this would take a number of days to complete.

Lingurar's legal team had no objection to their client being remanded in custody until he is sentenced.

Judge McCabe fixed a sentencing date in late April.