Courts / Louth / Report
Man seeks to overturn axe murder conviction
Summary
Marius Gaizutis, aged 55, is appealing a life sentence for the axe murder of Audrius Butkus, aged 44, who was found dead on a Meath beach. Gaizutis admitted killing Butkus at his home on 9 or 10 September 2013 but denied murder, claiming provocation after threats from the victim. The prosecution argued Butkus died from multiple axe blows to the back of his head; the defence alleged Gaizutis was attacked with a bottle. Gaizutis' account changed over two interviews, first claiming no recollection, then stating the victim insulted him and struck him with a bottle. A jury, after 2 hours 40 minutes, found him guilty of murder and sentenced him to mandatory life by Justice Margaret Heneghan on 20 May 2015. He now appeals, arguing insufficient evidence for murder and that the trial judge should have directed acquittal on that charge, allowing only manslaughter to be considered.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man seeks to overturn axe murder conviction. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 20, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 11 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-02-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: He was unanimously found guilty by a jury after two hours and forty minutes of deliberations, and was accordingly given the mandatory life sentence by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan on May 20, 2015.
Places mentioned
- Marsh Road
- presenting himself to Laytown Garda Station
- attached to Laytown Garda Station
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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