Courts / Dublin / Report

Man jailed for 15 years for attempted murder of his wife on her birthday

Date
2014-04-11

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, Andrzej Benko, aged 42, was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for attempting to murder his wife, Joanna Benko, on her 32nd birthday. Benko admitted striking her head with a lump hammer at least three times while she slept, an act that left her with severe head injuries, permanent wheelchair dependence, communication difficulties and lifelong care needs. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge in 2010, but a jury found him guilty after less than three hours of deliberation. Judge Patrick McCarthy noted Benko's remorse and a psychological report indicating no future criminality, yet imposed a 15‑year term in the most serious category. Benko apologized to his wife and family in court, acknowledging his guilt and the harm caused. The case highlighted the lasting impact on Joanna Benko and her son. Andrzej Benko was convicted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man jailed for 15 years for attempted murder of his wife on her birthday. Charges or matters: her attempted murder at that address on July 5, 2010. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

July 5, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-04-11 Publication

Why: Maybe you can save her because I hit her by hammer in head. CNI source report

Case subjects

Andrzej Benko

Defendant

Charges: her attempted murder at that address on July 5, 2010 (Proven)

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Today Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy handed down a 15-year sentence saying he accepted that Benko was deeply remorseful but did not plead guilty to the offence he was convicted of. A recording of the emergency call was played in court. "The problem is that probably I killed my wife and now I'm on my way to you to be jailed," he said. "Ring an ambulance.