Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury in homeless man murder trial given majority verdict option

Summary

The jury in the trial of Sebastian Barczuk, aged 32, who denies murdering his homeless friend Michal Kurek, aged 33, has been informed that a majority verdict is permissible. The case involves Kurek's death by 62 stab wounds, including 25 to the back, found on August 4, 2017, in Ballyboughal. Barczuk is charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, offered the jury of seven men and five women the option of a majority verdict, noting that at least ten members would need to agree. He also urged them to aim for unanimity but left the majority option open. The jury has spent nine hours and 24 minutes over three days deliberating and will resume at 11 am tomorrow. The verdict options remain guilty or not guilty of murder.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury in homeless man murder trial given majority verdict option. 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
• 2020-10-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report