"Human life is priceless": man who killed poker opponent with boning knife

A meat factory worker has been convicted of manslaughter following the death of his poker opponent outside their home in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan on New Year's Day 2018. The 39-year-old was found guilty by jury at the Central Criminal Court of fatally stabbing Marek Swider, aged 40, with a boning knife from his workplace. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A dispute over money won during card play escalated when the accused invited the victim outside, where he inflicted two fatal stab wounds to the upper body. During his sentence hearing, the defendant told the court he thought of the victim daily and expressed remorse, stating that human life is priceless. The prosecution contended the case involved high culpability, citing the use of a lethal weapon and the victim's inability to defend himself. The defence urged consideration of mitigating factors including the guilty plea and demonstrated remorse. Justice Tara Burns remanded the accused in custody pending sentencing.