Courts / Louth / Report
Killer's family sought refuge from him, impeding trial hears
Summary
During the trial of Aivars Sondors, charged with three counts of impeding a homicide investigation, the court heard that the killer's partner and children sought refuge in a neighbour's house before the killing, fearing the killer. Sondors, 54, claimed he was under duress when he helped move the body of 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus from a house on Marsh Road in Drogheda to Mornington Beach and cleaned the scene. He admitted the allegations but pleaded not guilty to all three counts. The jury was asked to decide whether duress applied. Carmen Canales testified that the partner knocked on her door on the evening of 9 September, claiming her husband would beat her, and that she let the woman and her five children stay overnight. The trial was set to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Killer's family sought refuge from him, impeding trial hears. Charges or matters: three counts of assisting an offender on September 9th or 10th 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed Mr Butkus; all three counts. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 9th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-05-27 Publication
Why: "She said: Please open the door because my husband is going to beat me up and I'm with my children," she said, explaining that she had met the woman had previously confided in her that her partner had been aggressive. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: three counts of assisting an offender on September 9th or 10th 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed Mr Butkus; all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Marsh Road
- Mathew's Lane
- Burke House
Topics
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