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'This criminal condemned us all to death': 'jealous, controlling' man gets life for murdering partner
Summary
During a seven‑week trial with a 15‑juror panel, Daniel Blanaru, 37, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 26‑year‑old partner, Larisa Serban, on 12 August 2022. Serban was found early in the morning on the floor between her bedroom and hallway, having died from a 12‑cm stab wound to the chest that punctured her heart, lung and aorta. The prosecution alleged that Blanaru, described as "controlling and jealous", killed Serban in cold blood after a sustained brutal attack. Blanaru pleaded not guilty but admitted guilt during custody interviews. He has six prior Irish convictions for road traffic offences and four theft offences in France. The sentencing judge, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, imposed a mandatory life sentence, noting the crime involved needless and horrific violence. The victim's family, including Serban's mother, eldest son and siblings, delivered impact statements expressing grief and condemning the killer's actions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'This criminal condemned us all to death': 'jealous, controlling' man gets life for murdering partner. Charges or matters: the murder of Ms Serban (26) at that address on or about August 12, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 12 August 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2008 and 2014 Other
- 2025-04-10 Publication
Why: I couldn't even look at him in this courtroom, because the thought of seeing him and his face again, I feel I might lose myself completely," Mr Serban said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: the murder of Ms Serban (26) at that address on or about August 12, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Daniel Blanaru (37) was sentenced life in prison today for the murder of his 26-year-old partner, Ms Serban on 12 August 2022. She said that for the crime, committed with "needless and horrific violence", she had to impose on Blanaru the mandatory life sentence.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Kevin O'Brian of Kells Garda Station
- Kells
- Simona Terezia Ciurar's house
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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