Courts / Longford / Report

Accused stabbed man to death outside shopping centre, trial hears

Date
2019-03-11
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Longford
County
Longford

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of Rihards Lavickis, a 26-year-old Latvian national residing in Longford, is ongoing before Mr Justice Michael White. Lavickis is accused of the murder of Polish man Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Prosecutor Patrick McGrath outlined the State's case, alleging that Lavickis told gardai he intended to "sort out" the deceased the night before the killing, despite police advice against it. According to the prosecution, Lavickis subsequently armed himself with a knife and confronted Czajkowski near Longford Shopping Centre. CCTV footage reportedly shows Lavickis emerging from a concealed position and running toward the deceased with his arm raised, though the stabbing itself was not captured. There is no dispute that Lavickis stabbed Czajkowski three times outside a nearby shop; the victim died en route to hospital. Lavickis admitted to the stabbing when questioned by gardai. The prosecution argues that the evidence supports a finding of intent to kill or cause serious harm, which would mandate a murder verdict. The trial, expected to last approximately 10 days, continues with a jury of eight men and four women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused stabbed man to death outside shopping centre, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Polish man Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark in the town; murder, but guilty to manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Rihards Lavickis

Accused

Charges: the murder of Polish man Akadiusz Czajkowski on 1st November 2016 at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark in the town; murder, but guilty to manslaughter (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

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