Murder accused entitled to defend himself in own home, defence tell jury

At the Central Criminal Court, closing arguments concluded in the trial of Matusz Batiuk, who denies murdering Michael McDonagh at a housing estate in Swinford, County Mayo, on 16 November 2020. The defence contended that Mr Batiuk, aged 33, acted lawfully in self-defence when he inflicted a fatal knife wound in his own home. Defence counsel emphasised that the accused's initial statement to emergency services was that he acted in self-defence, a position maintained throughout garda interviews. The prosecution argued that the accused deliberately used lethal force with intent to kill or cause serious injury. Justice Ellen Ring instructed the jury to consider whether Mr Batiuk honestly believed self-defence was necessary and whether any force used was objectively reasonable. The jury was also directed to consider evidence from two psychiatrists regarding the accused's mental health. The trial continues with further direction to the jury of nine men and three women.