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Clare murder accused told gardai he went 'berserk'
Summary
Michael Maughan, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Piotr Nowakowski, 31, at Sandfield Mews, Ennis, on 23 July 2013. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address. In Garda interviews, Maughan admitted stabbing Nowakowski twice, kicking him in the head after paramedics arrived, and claimed he had no control, saying he "just went berserk" after seeing a knife. He denied intent to kill, stating he thought Nowakowski was drunk. Cross‑examination of Maughan by Garda Stephen Hession echoed this, describing the incident as "total madness" with no excuse. Margaret Nihill, Maughan's former girlfriend, testified about their relationship and his alcohol consumption that night. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis reported that Nowakowski died from stab wounds to the chest, lung and liver, plus blunt force trauma to the head, with a blood alcohol level of 415 mg per cent.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Clare murder accused told gardai he went 'berserk'. 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
- 2014-10-28 Publication
Why: He then told gardai that after paramedics arrived he kicked Mr Nowakowski in the head when he was on the ground because the men inside did not open the door for him. CNI source report
Case subjects
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)
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
Places mentioned
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