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Murder accused told gardai he was attacked and woman "saved" his life

Summary

Ciprian Grozavu, aged 42, was arrested on 13 November 2011 for the murder of Jonathan Duke, aged 27, at Bridge House, Sean Hales Place, Bandon, Co Cork. During his arrest, Grozavu told Gardaí that he had been attacked and that a woman named Catherine O'Connor had intervened, striking Duke with a glass bottle and saving Grozavu's life. He pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Mr. Tim O'Leary SC, presented evidence that Duke was seen alive on the evening of 13 November and later found dead in the River Bandon, strangled and tied up. Garda Ciaran Ryan recounted that Grozavu was arrested at about 1 a.m. in his apartment and that the arrest was for assault causing harm to Duke. The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Paul Butler, is scheduled to last two weeks. The case also references Ms. O'Connor's prior conviction for Duke's murder. The proceedings are ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he was attacked and woman "saved" his life. Charges or matters: the murder of Jonathan Duke (27) at that address on November 13, 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 13, 2011 Other
• November 13 Other
• 2017-03-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report