Courts / Louth / Report
Trauma to beach body appeared to have been caused by axe
Summary
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Aivars Sondors and Professor Marie Cassidy, both accused of three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, allegedly knowing he had unlawfully killed Audrius Butkus. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. State Pathologist Dr. Cassidy testified that Butkus died from blunt force trauma to the head, likely caused by the blunt end of an axe, with injuries clustered to the back of his head. She noted he was intoxicated and showed no signs of drowning despite being found on Mornington Beach. Detective Sergeant Fergal O'Toole stated an axe was found at the Marsh Road house, while forensic expert Brian Barry indicated bloodstains suggested a serious assault and cleanup occurred. DNA from the axe, car boot, and a carpet matched Butkus. Sondors' counsel indicated the jury must decide if duress was present. The matter was adjourned and continues before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trauma to beach body appeared to have been caused by axe. 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
- September 10, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 12 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 13 Incident
- 2016-05-30 Publication
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
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
- Francis Street
- Burke House
- from Drogheda Garda Station
- Drogheda
- was brought to Drogheda Garda Station
- Marsh Road
- Drogheda
Topics
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