Courts / Louth / Report

Accused tells trial he felt "uneasy" telling lies to gardai

Date
2017-06-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

A 55‑year‑old Latvian‑born man, Aivars Sondors, is on trial in the Central Criminal Court for three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus. Sondors admitted the allegations but pleaded not guilty to all counts. He testified that he helped move Butkus's body from a house on Marsh Road, placed it in the sea at Mornington Beach, cleaned the scene, and disposed of items at Burke House. He said he was terrified of the killer and feared becoming the next victim. During his garda interviews he felt uneasy telling lies and later admitted he would have told the truth sooner or later. The jury will decide whether duress was present. The trial is scheduled to conclude with closing speeches before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused tells trial he felt "uneasy" telling lies to gardai. 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 12, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-06-23 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