Courts / Cork / Report

Murder accused claimed to remember strangulation only after gardai mentioned it, trial hears

Summary

During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, Ciprian Grozavu, aged 42, was charged with the killing of 27‑year‑old Jonathan Duke on 13 November 2011. The court heard that Grozavu claimed he only recalled witnessing a strangulation in his flat after a Garda officer mentioned it to him. The trial also involved testimony about Grozavu's acquaintance, Catherine O'Connor, who had been found guilty of murdering Duke, whose body was discovered in the River Bandon. Jury members listened to interviews with Grozavu in which he described O'Connor stabbing and poking Duke in the flat before dragging him, unconscious, down the stairs. Detective Sergeant Ann Murphy had left an interview and later returned with information that Duke likely died of strangulation. The court continued before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of eight men and four women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused claimed to remember strangulation only after gardai mentioned it, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Jonathan Duke at that address. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 13, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-03-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report