Courts / Louth / Report

54-year-old goes on trial accused of impeding homicide investigation

Summary

A 54‑year‑old man, Aivars Sondors of Termon Abbey, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on 26 May 2016. He faced three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the investigation of a homicide that occurred on 9 or 10 September 2013. The alleged victim was 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus, who was reportedly beaten to death in the basement of a house on Marsh Road, Drogheda, and whose body was moved to Mornington Beach. Sondors is accused of moving the body, cleaning the scene, and disposing of evidence such as carpet, clothing, a nail brush, a bin bag, bottles and tins. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. His barrister admitted the allegations but argued that the jury should decide whether duress was involved. The trial was set to continue on Friday morning before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 54-year-old goes on trial accused of impeding homicide investigation. Charges or matters: all three counts and a jury was sworn in to try him. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 9th Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-05-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• Dangerous driver gave gardai the 'middle finger' and hit speeds of 170km/h on M1
• On-bail home invader who dragged car owner along ground has sentence cut
• Judge rejects Gill's arguments against extradition for Robbie Lawlor murder
• 'My 46 years working…what was it all for?' veteran office staff say they were excluded after merger with 'younger' firm
• Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque

Read the original CNI report