Courts / Dublin / Report

Prosecution closes case in trial of man accused of murdering homeless friend

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, the prosecution concluded its evidence against Sebastian Barczuk, 32, who denies murdering his former flatmate Michal Kurek, 33, a homeless man with addiction difficulties. Kurek was found on 4 August 2017 in Ballyboughal, face down in a country lane, with 62 stab wounds, including 25 to his back, and evidence of blunt‑force trauma to head and chest. A Nokia 105 phone, still powered on, was recovered from Kurek's jeans and connected to a cell site near Ballybuddal at 00.52, while Barczuk's phone connected at 00.53. DNA from the phone and from a blood‑stained hoodie showed a minor contributor that could not be definitively linked to Barczuk. The jury was instructed to consider circumstantial evidence to determine who committed the murder. The trial resumed the following day with Mr Justice Hunt presiding. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Prosecution closes case in trial of man accused of murdering homeless friend. Charges or matters: murdering Michal Kurek (33) at a place unknown within the State between August 3 and 4, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 3 Other
• August 4 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2020-09-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report