Courts / Sligo / Report

Husband's murder trial ends as three jurors cannot attend court

Date
2020-03-18
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Sligo
County
Sligo

Summary

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has been halted after three jurors notified the court they could not attend proceedings. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon discharged the 12-member jury on 18 March, noting that one juror would likely be unable to participate further, while the availability of the other two remained uncertain for at least one week. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The closing speeches from prosecution and defence had been scheduled for the trial's final stage. Both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the defence counsel consented to the jury's discharge, citing the unfairness of reassembling jurors at an unknown future date. Ms Justice Creedon agreed, acknowledging the trial had nearly concluded but prioritising the accused's fair trial rights. Mr Karaczyn was remanded in custody on bail pending 30 March.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Husband's murder trial ends as three jurors cannot attend court. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his 30-year-old wife Natalia Karaczyn, at their family home in Crozon Park between April 29th, 2018 and May 1st, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Rafal Karaczyn

Defendant

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his 30-year-old wife Natalia Karaczyn, at their family home in Crozon Park between April 29th, 2018 and May 1st, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Mr Karaczyn was then remanded in custody with consent to bail, under the same terms and conditions, until March 30th.

Places mentioned

Residence
Address Area
  • Crozon Park
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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