Courts / Dublin / Report

Man accused of attempted murder of wife brought lump hammer instead of flowers, jury told

Date
2014-03-04

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Andrzej Benko, 42, of Mulhuddert, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the attempted murder of his wife, Joanna Benko, at their home on July 5, 2010. Mr Benko has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Prosecutors allege that on Mrs Benko's 32nd birthday, the accused returned to the residence with a lump hammer and struck her over the head at least three times while she slept. The court heard a recording of an emergency call made by Mr Benko as he drove to Blanchardstown Garda Station, in which he stated, "The problem is that probably I killed my wife and now I'm on my way to you to be jailed." He also told Garda Rosanna Coll that he intended to kill his wife. Medical evidence from Dr Niamh Collins and Dr Edward Mulligan detailed severe head injuries, including a depressed skull fracture and brain contusions. A clinical neuropsychologist testified that Mrs Benko, who is now wheelchair-bound, uses one and two-word sentences and requires full-time care. The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of attempted murder of wife brought lump hammer instead of flowers, jury told. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Joanna Benko at that address on July 5, 2010. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

July 5, 2010 Incident
December 2009 Incident
September 2011 Other
2014-03-04 Publication

Why: Maybe you can save her because I hit her by hammer in head. CNI source report

Case subjects

Andrzej Benko

Convicted Person

Charges: the attempted murder of Joanna Benko at that address on July 5, 2010 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: The court heard a recording of the emergency call Mr Benko made as he drove to Blanchardstown Garda Station that morning. "The problem is that probably I killed my wife and now I'm on my way to you to be jailed," he said. "Ring an ambulance. A clinical neuropsychologist testified that when he assessed Mrs Benko last April, she was using one and two-word sentences.