Courts / Cavan / Report

"Human life is priceless": man who killed poker opponent with boning knife

Summary

Tomasz Paszkiewicz, 39, was remanded in custody at the Central Criminal Court following a trial where he was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the manslaughter of Marek Swider. The jury reached a majority verdict after nearly five hours of deliberation. Paszkiewicz had pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to manslaughter regarding the death of his housemate, who died of two stab wounds inflicted with a boning knife on January 1, 2018, in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan. Prosecutors argued the case involved high culpability, citing the use of a lethal weapon, lack of provocation, and the accused's failure to assist the victim. Defence counsel urged the court to view it as a medium-culpability case, highlighting Paszkiewicz's remorse, lack of prior convictions, and cooperation with gardai. Paszkiewicz testified that he was ashamed and that human life is priceless. Ms Justice Tara Burns adjourned the matter, stating she will pass sentence on Thursday next.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Human life is priceless": man who killed poker opponent with boning knife. Charges or matters: manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 1, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• New Year's morning Other
• 2019-07-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report