Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused said deceased was 'like my brother'

Date
2020-09-28

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty to the murder of his former flatmate, 33‑year‑old Michal Kurek, who was found dead with 62 stab wounds in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. Barczuk, who described Kurek as a close friend and "like a brother," claimed he was shocked by the death and denied any involvement. He said he had known Kurek since 2010, that they lived together for two years, and that Kurek was homeless at the time of his death. Barczuk was arrested on 4 April 2018 after Gardaí interviewed him in Duleek and Balbriggan. The trial is ongoing, with the jury hearing evidence of Barczuk's statements, phone activity, and a possible connection to a Fiat Punto sold to him on 2 August 2017. The case remains at the investigative stage, with no verdict yet reached.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said deceased was 'like my brother'. Charges or matters: murdering his homeless friend Michal Kurek (33) over three years ago; murdering Mr Kurek at a place unknown within the State between August 3 and 4, 2017; the murder of Mr Kurek in Balbriggan Garda Station, he replied: "I'm innocent". Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 3 Other
August 4 Other
April 4, 2018 Incident
July 2015 Other
August 2017 Incident
August 2, 2017 Other
August 2 Other
August 4, 2017 Other
Christmas 2016 Incident
2020-09-28 Publication

Case subjects

Sebastian Barczuk

Accused

Charges: murdering his homeless friend Michal Kurek (33) over three years ago; murdering Mr Kurek at a place unknown within the State between August 3 and 4, 2017; the murder of Mr Kurek in Balbriggan Garda Station, he replied: "I'm innocent" (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty