Deceased attacked murder accused with knuckle duster, partner tells trial

A man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded not guilty to the charge but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State has rejected. Rihards Lavickis, aged 26 and with an address at Annaly Court in Longford, is accused of the murder of Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Townspark in Longford town. During the trial's second day, the accused's partner testified that the deceased had attacked him with a knuckle duster months prior and had damaged their apartment windows multiple times following a disputed drug debt of €300. She identified a knife recovered from their bedroom as the weapon believed used in the alleged stabbing outside a shopping centre. The witness stated the accused had told her he fought the deceased with a knife and stabbed him twice. Under cross-examination, she described the accused as someone who cared for their child, despite his involvement in drug dealing. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.