Courts / Clare / Report

Clare man goes on trial for murder

Date
2014-10-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Ennis

County
Clare

Summary

A 40‑year‑old man, Michael Maughan, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Piotr Nowakowski, 31, who was stabbed in Sandfield Mews, Ennis, on 23 July 2013. Maughan pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution said was unacceptable. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address on the same date. The court heard that Maughan and his brother Darren entered the building early that morning, where three men – Nowakowski, O'Dea and a man called 'Magic' – were sleeping. Maughan allegedly stabbed Nowakowski with a kitchen knife, causing death. Testimony from witnesses, including Alan O'Neill and Garda John Moore, described the disturbance and the subsequent arrest. The Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis, confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds to the trunk with contributing blunt force trauma to the head. The case is now before the jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Clare man goes on trial for murder. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Piotr Nowakowski (31) at Sandfield Mews, Ennis on July 23, 2013; assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address on the same date. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 23, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-10-23 Publication

Case subjects

Michael Maughan

Accused

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Piotr Nowakowski (31) at Sandfield Mews, Ennis on July 23, 2013; assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty