Courts / Clare / Report
Judge tells murder trial jury that alcohol is not a defence to criminal responsibility
Summary
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul Carney instructed the jury that alcohol does not excuse criminal responsibility. The accused, Michael Maughan, 40, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Piotr Nowakowski, 31, who was stabbed twice on 23 July 2013 and died en route to a hospital. Maughan and his brother had been drinking with Nowakowski and two others earlier that day and returned to the apartment later that night. Maughan also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Declan O'Dea at the same address. The judge emphasized that intent can arise instantly and that pre‑planning is not required. The prosecution argued that ample evidence supported a murder conviction, while the defence highlighted Maughan's alcoholism and recent release from an addiction centre. The jury was sworn in for a week‑long trial.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge tells murder trial jury that alcohol is not a defence to criminal responsibility. 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
- May 27, 2013 Incident
- June 24, 2013 Incident
- July 22, 2013 Incident
- 2014-10-30 Publication
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)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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