Courts / Louth / Report

Murder trial jury hear that man found on beach possibly died from axe to the head

Date
2015-04-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Louth

County
Louth

Summary

The Central Criminal Court is currently hearing the trial of Marius Gaizutis (52) and co-accused Aivers Sonders (53) under Justice Margaret Heneghan. Gaizutis, of Marsh Road, Drogheda, is charged with murdering Audrius Butkus (44) at that address on September 9 or 10, 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State rejected this plea, resulting in a jury trial. Sonders, of Termon Abbey, faces three counts of assisting an offender by impeding Gaizutis's apprehension, including moving the body to Mornington Beach and cleaning the scene. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. Prosecution counsel Patrick Gagey SC told the jury that Butkus died from a sharp, heavy implement, possibly an axe, to the back of the head. Evidence presented includes blood staining on a mop, bucket, and a red Suzuki Swift, as well as a blood-covered bag found near the body. Witnesses included Brian McAreavey, who discovered the body, and Garda Deirdre Semple, who noted drag marks. Gaizutis allegedly admitted to a fight with Butkus and instructed Sonders to dispose of the body. The trial is ongoing and expected to last five to six days.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial jury hear that man found on beach possibly died from axe to the head. Charges or matters: murdering Audrius Butkus (44) at that address on the 9th or 10th of September, 2013; murder but guilty to manslaughter when he was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on Monday; three counts of assisting an offender on the same dates by impeding Mr Gaizutis's apprehension or prosecution; all three counts. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
September 9 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
Tuesday September 10 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
September 10 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-04-22 Publication

Case subjects

Co-accused Aivers Sonders

Co Accused

Charges: three counts of assisting an offender on the same dates by impeding Mr Gaizutis's apprehension or prosecution; all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Marius Gaizutis

Accused

Charges: murdering Audrius Butkus (44) at that address on the 9th or 10th of September, 2013; murder but guilty to manslaughter when he was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on Monday; three counts of assisting an offender on the same dates by impeding Mr Gaizutis's apprehension or prosecution; all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty