Courts / Cavan / Report
Man who admitted stabbing poker opponent to death with "boning knife" is cleared of murder by jury
Summary
A meat factory worker was convicted of manslaughter but acquitted of murder at the Central Criminal Court following a trial in July 2019. Tomasz Paszkiewicz had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder in connection with the death of Marek Swider on Dublin Street, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan on 1 January 2018. The court heard that Paszkiewicz stabbed the 40-year-old Polish man twice with a boning knife after a dispute during a New Year's Eve poker game at their shared home. The accused had lost several hundred euros and attempted to reclaim the money. A witness testified that Swider returned to the living room holding his stomach, stating he had been stabbed. Swider died following surgery. The defence argued that Paszkiewicz's statements to gardaí indicated lack of intent, while the prosecution characterised the killing as deliberate and brutal. The jury deliberated for almost five hours before reaching a majority verdict. Justice Tara Burns remanded Paszkiewicz in custody pending sentencing on 15 July.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who admitted stabbing poker opponent to death with "boning knife" is cleared of murder by jury. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of fellow Polish man Marek Swider (40) on Dublin Street, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan on January 1, 2018. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 1, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 15th July Adjournment
- New Year's Eve Other
- New Year's morning Other
- 2019-07-04 Publication
Why: She explained that the interpretation of what the accused said to the gardai was completely a matter for the jury. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of fellow Polish man Marek Swider (40) on Dublin Street, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan on January 1, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Ms Justice Burns remanded the accused in custody for sentencing on 15th July, when a victim impact statement will be ready.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Dublin Street
Topics
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