Courts / Mayo / Report

Key witness tells trial he broke into murder accused's home and stabbed him

Date
2023-03-22

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Swinford

County
Mayo

Summary

A key witness in a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court gave conflicting evidence regarding events at a house in Swinford, County Mayo, on November 16, 2020. Paul Maughan testified that he did not witness the fatal stabbing of Michael McDonagh (24), despite having previously told gardaí that the accused "went for" the deceased with a knife. Mr Maughan admitted breaking into the home of the accused, Matusz Batiuk (33), and stabbing him three months before Mr McDonagh's death, for which he is currently serving a prison sentence. The witness stated that Mr McDonagh carried a carpet knife that evening. When cross-examined, Mr Maughan acknowledged making inaccurate statements to gardaí, including claims that the accused had attacked him, which he later denied. Mr Batiuk has pleaded not guilty to murder. He maintains he believed his life was in danger when he inflicted the fatal wound. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Key witness tells trial he broke into murder accused's home and stabbed him. Charges or matters: murdering Mr McDonagh at the housing estate in Swinford on November 16, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 16, 2020 Other
August 2020 Other
November 16 Other
November 17 Other
2023-03-22 Publication

Why: He asked the witness if he recalled an angry conversation that took place in the house in which Mr Maughan was angry with Mr Batiuk because he accused him of sleeping with Mr Maughan's sister. CNI source report

Case subjects

Matusz Batiuk

Accused

Charges: murdering Mr McDonagh at the housing estate in Swinford on November 16, 2020 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: The jury also heard that Mr Maughan is currently serving a prison sentence for stabbing Mr Batiuk in his home three months before Mr McDonagh's death.