Courts / Wexford / Report

'Void created by Covid restrictions' formed background to fatal stabbing, judge notes

Summary

A 45‑year‑old man, David Bolger, was sentenced to nine years in prison for the manslaughter of his friend Przemyslaw Klimczuk, who was 43, in a house on Greenville Lane, Enniscorthy, on 1 May 2020. The incident occurred during a Covid lockdown when the defendants were drinking heavily. Bolger denied a murder charge but was found guilty of manslaughter, with the judge noting that his intoxication removed the intent required for murder. The judge reduced the headline sentence of 14 years to ten years and six months, suspending the final 18 months on the condition of good behaviour and peace‑keeping. Bolger will serve 12 months under probation supervision after release and must comply with probation conditions or serve the suspended portion. The sentence was back‑dated to 6 July to account for time already served. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, where victim impact statements from Klimczuk's children were read.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Void created by Covid restrictions' formed background to fatal stabbing, judge notes. Charges or matters: manslaughter. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 1, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 6 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 30, 2020 Other
• 2023-10-31 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report