Courts / Clare / Report

Murder accused "would be known to drink a lot", trial hears

Date
2014-10-29

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Ennis

County
Clare

Summary

The trial of Michael Maughan, 40, of Stone Court, Ennis, continues before a jury of seven men and five women under Mr Justice Paul Carney. Maughan pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Piotr Nowakowski, 31, at Sandfield Mews, Ennis, on 23 July 2013. The prosecution rejected the manslaughter plea and a jury was sworn in for the murder trial. Maughan also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address and date. Detective Garda Brendan Rouine testified that he saw a man with two stab wounds to the chest and that O'Dea was injured in the leg, face and head. He described the accused as "known to drink a lot" and recounted that Maughan claimed he was angry because he could not enter the apartment, that he had lifted his brother to gain entry, and that he stabbed Nowakowski twice after the victim emerged.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused "would be known to drink a lot", trial hears. 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: sentence

When:

July 23, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-10-29 Publication

Why: The accused told gardai he was in a temper because he could not get into the apartment and that Mr Nowakowski "never fought back. CNI source report

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

Outcome: Earlier today further memos of garda interviews with the accused during his detention at Ennis Garda Station were read to the jury.