Courts / Cavan / Report

Judge commends takeaway worker who came to dying man's aid

Summary

A takeaway worker from Cavan was commended by Justice Tara Burns at the Central Criminal Court for providing first aid to a fatally injured man on New Year's Eve 2018. Alannah Sheridan, who was employed at a takeaway in Ballyjamesduff, was leaving work when she learned of a man in distress on Dublin Street. Drawing on her First Aid training with the Order of Malta, she applied pressure to a chest wound using her scarf while awaiting emergency services. The injured man, Marek Swider, a 40-year-old Polish national, was subsequently taken to Cavan General Hospital but died on New Year's morning. The trial concerns Tomasz Paszkiewicz, aged 39, charged with Mr Swider's murder. Mr Paszkiewicz has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Acting State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Mr Swider died following two stab wounds to his chest and abdomen. The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge commends takeaway worker who came to dying man's aid. Charges or matters: murdering fellow Polish man Marek Swider (40) at their home on Dublin Street, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan on January 1, 2018; murder but guilty to manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 1, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• New Year's Eve Other
• new year Other
• New Year's Day Other
• New Year's morning Other
• 2019-06-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Court refuses to reduce sentence for brothel keeper caught with child abuse material
• 'Wouldn't be out of place in a Tarantino movie': Lunney kidnappers challenge sentences for 'animalistic' torture and abduction
• 'A shocking, shocking tragedy': man must first serve six-year term for trying to murder father before starting life sentence for murdering mother, judge rules
• 'We never expected him to be grateful. But we never expected murder': man apologies to family for murdering mother and trying to murder father
• No jail for passenger who sexually assaulted Ryanair cabin crew member
• Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient

Read the original CNI report