Courts / Louth / Report
Jury acquits man of impeding murder investigation
Summary
A Central Criminal Court jury found a 55‑year‑old man, Aivars Sondors, not guilty of three counts of impeding a murder investigation. The case involved the killing of 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, who was allegedly murdered by Marius Gaizutis on 9 September 2013. Sondors was accused of moving the body from a house on Marsh Road, Drogheda, dumping it in the sea at Mornington Beach, cleaning the scene, and disposing of items at Burke House on Mathew's Lane. He admitted the allegations but pleaded not guilty, claiming duress. The jury deliberated for two hours and three minutes and returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all counts. The trial lasted six days, with evidence from witnesses, forensic experts, and Gardaí, and concluded with the judge thanking the jury and exempting them from service for six years. Audrius Butkus was convicted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury acquits man of impeding murder investigation. Charges or matters: all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015; 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 44-year-old Audrius Butkus. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Convicted
When:
- September 9 Incident
- May 1, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 10 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 12 Other
- 2017-06-27 Publication
Why: She said the killer's partner knocked on her door and pleaded with her to open it because Gaizutis had threatened to kill her. CNI source report
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 44-year-old Audrius Butkus; all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Convicted Person
Charges: all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Marsh Road
- Mathew's Lane
- Burke House
- Marsh Road
- Marsh Road
- from Drogheda Garda Station
- Drogheda
- later returned to Drogheda Garda Station
Topics
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