Murder accused takes the stand in his own defence

A 25-year-old man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has testified that he did not intend to harm the deceased during an incident in Longford in November 2016. Rihards Lavickis of Annaly Court, Longford, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 31-year-old man at Townspark on 1 November 2016. He admitted stabbing the deceased but told the court he experienced a loss of control and a "blackout" at the time, only realizing later what had occurred. Mr Lavickis described escalating tensions with the deceased over several months, including a prior assault and property damage to his home. He stated he brought a knife to the deceased's residence intending only to confront him but that events spiralled when they encountered each other later. The prosecution suggested his account of losing control was a deliberate fabrication designed to support a manslaughter defence. Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh adjourned proceedings to allow a juror to attend a family event. The trial resumes before the jury on Friday.