Courts / Louth / Report
Victim's injuries consistent with being struck by blunt end of axe
Summary
The Central Criminal Court trial of Aivars Sondors, 55, continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey. Mr Sondors, of Sycamore Close, Termon Abbey, Drogheda, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assisting an offender on September 9 or 10, 2013. He is alleged to have impeded the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing Gaizutis had unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus, 44. Particulars include moving Butkus's body from Marsh Road to Mornington Beach and cleaning the scene at Burke House. While Mr Sondors admitted the acts, his defense asserts duress. Gaizutis was previously convicted of Butkus's murder on May 1, 2015. Chief State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Butkus died from blunt force trauma to the head, causing brain injury and inhalation of blood. She stated the injuries were consistent with being struck by the blunt end of a hand axe, with up to nine blows. The body was found face down in the sand, with drag marks on the back. Cassidy noted Butkus was considerably intoxicated and had no defensive injuries. The trial is ongoing, with the jury tasked with deciding the issue of duress.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Victim's injuries consistent with being struck by blunt end of axe. Charges or matters: three counts of assisting an offender on September 9 or 10 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus (44); all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 9 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 1, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 10 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-06-21 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: three counts of assisting an offender on September 9 or 10 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus (44); all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: three counts of assisting an offender on September 9 or 10 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus (44); all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Marsh Road
- Mathew's Lane
- Burke House
Topics
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