Father of two died from stab wound to heart

At the Central Criminal Court, State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy gave evidence in a murder trial concerning the death of a 31-year-old man from Longford who died following a stabbing on Rue Noyal Chatillon on 1 November 2016. Professor Cassidy testified that the deceased had consumed alcohol, valium and amphetamines at the time of his death. Three stab wounds were identified during examination, with the fatal wound penetrating the rib cage and left ventricle of the heart. A folding knife with approximately 7.5 centimetre blade was believed to have been used. Rihards Lavickis, aged 25 of Annaly Court, Longford, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. His manslaughter plea was not accepted and the trial continues. CCTV footage presented to the jury showed the accused pursuing the deceased moments before the stabbing occurred.