THE NATIONAL GALLERY of Ireland said they are “disappointed that there has been no clarity” given in the case in which a Dublin man of putting his fist through a Claude Monet painting at the gallery.

The jury deliberated for nearly nine hours spread over three days, but has failed to reach a verdict today.

€7 million damage

The man is being accused of causing €7 million worth of damage to the painting.

Andrew Shannon, aged 48, has denied the charge of criminal damage by claiming he has a serious heart condition that caused him to “collapse” against the art work on  29 June 2012.

Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland said he would like to praise the staff of the National Gallery for their prompt response to the incident at the time and all the colleagues in the emergency services.

“In particular, I would like to thank the staff involved for participating and relating to the court as citizens, as much as Gallery employees,” he said.

Mr Rainbird added the gallery’s Conservation Department has undertaken a very complex project to mend and restore the Monet painting and thanked BNP Paribas who provided the necessary funds to undertake the restoration.

Monet painting

“We look forward to putting the Monet back on display to the public as soon as conservation work is complete,” he said.

Judge Des Hogan remanded Andrew Shannon in custody until tomorrow when he will apply for bail.

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