Courts / Dublin / Report
Man guilty of attempting to murder his wife
Summary
Andrzej Benko, 42, of Mulhuddert, was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of attempting to murder his wife, Joanna Benko, on July 5, 2010. Benko admitted hitting his sleeping wife with a lump hammer three times but had pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder. The trial heard that Mrs Benko is now confined to a wheelchair and requires full-time care. Benko told Gardaí he intended to kill her, citing marital difficulties and her alleged drug use. After the assault, he drove to Blanchardstown Garda station, calling emergency services en route. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict after two hours and 40 minutes. Defence counsel Remy Farrell SC applied for continuing bail to allow Benko to arrange care for his seven-year-old son and settle affairs regarding their home. The State opposed the application. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy refused bail, noting that a custodial sentence was inevitable and the child was already being cared for. The judge stated Benko could put other affairs in order through a solicitor. Benko was remanded in custody, and the matter was adjourned for sentencing on April 7th.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man guilty of attempting to murder his wife. Charges or matters: her attempted murder at that address on July 5, 2010. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 5, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 7th Adjournment
- 2014-03-07 Publication
Why: Maybe you can save her because I hit her by hammer in head. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: her attempted murder at that address on July 5, 2010 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: A recording of the emergency call was played in court. "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.; He said the accused could put his other affairs in order through a solicitor and remanded him in custody for sentencing on April 7th.
Places mentioned
- Ladyswell Road
- The Central Criminal Court
- short journey to Blanchardstown Garda station
- Blanchardstown
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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