Courts / Dublin / Report

Barrister tells jury that nurse accuse of murdering her mother lacked the necessary intent

Date
2014-10-21
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The trial of Greta Dudko, a 36-year-old nurse accused of killing her mother, Anna Butautiene, in their Dublin home on Christmas Eve 2010, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Ms. Dudko has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the 55-year-old but maintains a not guilty plea to her murder. During closing submissions, defence counsel Caroline Biggs SC argued that the accused lacked the specific intent required for murder due to severe intoxication and the paradoxical effects of her medications. She urged the jury to consider this partial defence or, alternatively, provocation, citing the accused's claim that the incident was spontaneous. Prosecuting counsel Pauline Walley SC countered that the scene, described as a 'silent witness,' showed no signs of a struggle, such as scuff marks or overturned furniture. Mr Justice Paul Carney instructed the jury that their verdict options were guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. After deliberating for more than two hours, the jury has not reached a decision. The matter was adjourned, with the jury scheduled to resume deliberations the following morning.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Barrister tells jury that nurse accuse of murdering her mother lacked the necessary intent. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of 55-year-old Anna Butautiene; her murder at that address. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: The barrister for a nurse who killed her mother on Christmas Eve has said she did not have the intent necessary for murder because she was so intoxicated. CNI source report

Case subjects

Greta Dudko

Accused

Charges: the manslaughter of 55-year-old Anna Butautiene; her murder at that address (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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