Jury deliberating in trial of husband accused of murdering wife

A jury at the Central Criminal Court is continuing deliberations in the trial of a Sligo man charged with murder. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 35, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has admitted killing his wife Natalia but denies murder. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The death occurred on 29 April 2018 at their home address. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon instructed the jury of twelve that they may return a verdict of guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty of murder. She outlined the legal distinction between the offences and addressed the potential defence of provocation. The judge explained that provocation, where applicable, would reduce a murder conviction to manslaughter. She emphasised that the defence does not apply where an ordinary person in similar circumstances could exercise self-restraint. The jury had deliberated for more than two hours when the report was filed and were to resume their consideration the following day.