Courts / Dublin / Report
'Extraordinary leap' to find accused guilty of murder, defence tells jury
Summary
In the trial of Sebastian Barczuk, 32, accused of murdering his homeless friend Michal Kurek, 33, the defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued that the prosecution had presented "less than half a story." He highlighted that the state could not establish when, where, why or how Kurek was killed, nor could it prove a motive between the two men who were described as "like brothers." McGinn pointed out gaps in the evidence, such as the lack of analysis of the angles of the 62 stab wounds, the absence of a clear sequence of events, and the uncertainty over whether one or more attackers were involved. He questioned the reliability of the DNA and CCTV evidence linking Barczuk's car and phone to the scene, noting that the data could have been used by others. McGinn concluded that the prosecution's case relied on speculation and that a not‑guilty verdict was the correct outcome given the reasonable doubt. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Extraordinary leap' to find accused guilty of murder, defence tells jury. Charges or matters: murdering his homeless friend 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 Other
- August 2, 2017 Other
- Christmas Other
- 2020-10-02 Publication
Why: Mr McGinn also argued in his closing speech today that the State was unable to point to a motive between the accused man and deceased, which he said was one of the biggest mysteries in the case as they were "like brothers" to each other. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering his homeless friend Michal Kurek (33) at a place unknown within the State between August 3 and 4, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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