Courts / Limerick / Report

"Leap too far" that murder accused acting in self defence, prosecution tell jury

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, the prosecution argued that Monika Matracka (35) could not claim self‑defence for the murder of her housemate and former partner, Michal Rejmer (38), who died from stab wounds to the arms between 8 pm on 30 December and midnight on 31 December 2015. Prosecutor Paul Carroll said that the use of a knife as described would naturally intend to kill or cause serious injury, and that any excess force beyond what was reasonably necessary would amount to unlawful killing, i.e. manslaughter. He highlighted inconsistencies in Matracka's statements, her failure to report the incident to friends or Gardaí, and her attempts to conceal the body by placing it under plastic and logs. The prosecution also noted that Matracka had no prior convictions and that she had exchanged New Year texts with Rejmer after his disappearance. Monika Matracka pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Leap too far" that murder accused acting in self defence, prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: a charge of murdering Michal Rejmer (38) at that address at a time unknown between 8pm on December 30 and midnight on December 31, 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 30 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 31, 2015 Other
• January 5 Other
• January 7 Other
• December 24 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 1 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 3 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 6, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 30, 2015 Other
• January 8 Other
• New Year Other
• Christmas Other
• 2017-02-16 Publication

Why: Mr Carroll said that one of the areas the jury would have to consider is whether Ms Matracka acted in self-defence and the prosecution took the view that this was "a leap too far because of the evidence in the case. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report