Accused told gardai stabbing was self-defence

A 35-year-old Polish national has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Romanian man fatally stabbed at an apartment complex in Cavan in October 2012. The accused, Przemyslaw Trebacz of Bramble Rise, Killynebber, denies responsibility for the death of Costel Catalin Cretu, aged 38, at Connolly Court, Cavan between 13 and 14 October 2012. During interview with gardaí, Trebacz maintained he acted in self-defence when he stabbed the victim, claiming the deceased was attacking him with a knife. He stated he did not bring a weapon to the scene and that the injured man was still standing when he departed the apartment. However, the prosecution has alleged he and another man entered the apartment with intent to commit robbery. The Central Criminal Court has heard that Mr Cretu sustained two stab wounds, with a fatal injury to the chest. The State Pathologist determined the force required was mild to moderate and suggested the possibility of involvement by two assailants. Forensic examination of two knives recovered from the apartment found no blood transfer and no fingerprints, a detail the defence has emphasised in challenging the case against the accused. Evidence at trial included testimony from a taxi driver who transported Trebacz and two other men on the night in question. The witness recalled hearing the accused use the phrase "Soviet attack" during the journey and observed what appeared to be a weapon. He subsequently contacted gardaí after learning of the stabbing. Trebacz has separately pleaded guilty to criminal damage relating to a door at the same location. At trial, Mr Justice Barry White directed the jury on potential defences of self-defence and provocation. The jury was composed of nine men and three women and began deliberations in December 2013.