Courts / Dublin / Report
Court dismisses appeal by Polish man who murdered girlfriend
Summary
Waldemar Solowiow, a 49‑year‑old Polish national, was convicted of murdering his 37‑year‑old girlfriend, Mary Ryan, in his Dublin bedsit on 18–19 May 2012. Ryan died from neck compression and head trauma after a physical altercation. Solowiow admitted killing her but denied murder, claiming provocation. He received a mandatory life sentence in October 2013. In 2015 he appealed, arguing the trial judge misdirected the jury on provocation. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, upholding the conviction. The judges found the judge's instructions on provocation adequate and noted that Solowiow had admitted the killing. They also rejected other grounds, including alleged false statements to Gardaí and the handling of expert evidence. Solowiow remains in custody to serve the remainder of his life sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Court dismisses appeal by Polish man who murdered girlfriend. Charges or matters: her murder by a majority jury verdict in the Central Criminal Court and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Patrick J McCarthy on October 31 2013. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- May 18 Other
- October 31 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-04-12 Publication
Why: "Both sides will have been aware that there have been a number of cases where convictions have been quashed" because of trial judges' directions to juries on provocation. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: her murder by a majority jury verdict in the Central Criminal Court and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Patrick J McCarthy on October 31 2013 (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Solowiow was lead away to continue serving the remainder of his life sentence.
Places mentioned
- Sherrard Street
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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