Courts / Louth / Report

Accused tells trial he agreed to move body as he was "terrified" he would be "next victim"

Date
2017-06-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

A 55‑year‑old Latvian‑born man, Aivars Sondors, pleaded not guilty to three counts of assisting an offender in the 2013 murder of Audrius Butkus, a 44‑year‑old victim. He testified that he had been coerced by the killer, Marius Gaizutis, to move the body from a house on Marsh Road in Drogheda to Mornington Beach, and to dispose of evidence such as carpet, clothing and other items at Burke House on Mathew's Lane. Sondors said he was terrified of Gaizutis, who had threatened him, and feared he would become the next victim if he refused. He admitted the allegations but argued duress. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, is hearing whether the accused acted under duress, with the jury to decide the outcome. The case remains pending, with further cross‑examination scheduled.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused tells trial he agreed to move body as he was "terrified" he would be "next victim". 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
2017-06-22 Publication

Case subjects

Aivars Sondors

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