Courts / Meath / Report
Detective rejects claim he had 'already judged' murder accused
Summary
During the trial of Daniel Blanaru, a 37‑year‑old accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, Detective Sergeant Robert Madden was cross‑examined by defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha. The defence argued that Madden had "already judged" Blanaru before the interview, claiming the detective had decided the accused had committed murder. Madden denied this, stating that each investigation is approached with an open mind and that any admission by a suspect must be corroborated with evidence. He explained that photos of the crime scene were shown to establish the murder weapon's location and that a doctor assessed Blanaru's fitness for interview after a night of sleeplessness. Madden also refuted claims that he had caused Blanaru pain to elicit information, insisting the interview was conducted professionally. The trial proceeds before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Detective rejects claim he had 'already judged' murder accused. Charges or matters: the murder of Larisa Serban (26) on or about August 12, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-03-13 Publication
Why: " Mr Ó Lideadha suggested to the witness that he had said things to cause Mr Blanaru pain in order to get information, but Det Sgt Madden denied this. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Larisa Serban (26) on or about August 12, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- the accused at Ashbourne Garda Station
- Ashbourne
Topics
Related court reports
- Criminal asked for cigarette and bounded over six foot wall to escape custody
- Survivor says 'incredibly hard' to stand out against abuse in the face of 'lenient' sentences as relative has jail term increased
- GP receptionist who said colleague called her a 'lazy b***h' tells WRC apology wasn't 'genuine'
- 'This criminal condemned us all to death': 'jealous, controlling' man gets life for murdering partner
- Jury takes just three hours to convict man who denied murder despite telling gardai: 'I am guilty, please lock me up'"
- Jury out tomorrow for man accused of stabbing partner to death
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request