A drunk man holding a barbecue fork which killed his then-girlfriend's brother after he prevented him from driving in central west NSW has been found not guilty of murder.
Darryle Tailford, 28, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder after Richard "Ricky" Eggins died in the early hours on March 2, 2019 when the two-pronged fork pierced his aorta.
The Crown had not accepted his manslaughter plea, saying despite his highly intoxicated state he was capable of making decisions and intended to cause serious bodily harm.
The group had been celebrating Michael Eggins' birthday at Hotel Canobolas in Orange before ending up back at the home of Tailford, who was "smashed" compared to the others, the jury heard earlier.
An argument started when Tailford was stopped from driving his car by Michael and Richard Eggins about 3am.
After Tailford was punched in the eye through an open car window by Michael Eggins he retreated back to his kitchen and returned to the garage holding the barbecue fork.
Michael Eggins noticed "a look in his eye" causing him to jump over a car fleeing, leaving Richard alone with the accused.
The three people standing outside never saw the physical action where the fork was used to penetrate the chest.
Tailford drove away from the scene soon after the fatal stabbing but later handed himself in to police.
Defence lawyer Eric Wilson told the jury in his opening address they would not be satisfied his client intended to cause such a substantial injury, but said he admitted maybe holding the kitchen utensil in a threatening way.
Another issue for the jury was the effect of alcohol on all involved that evening.
Tailford is due to be sentenced by Justice Stephen Rothman on June 4.
