Courts / Louth / Report
Impeding accused told gardai he was asleep on night of killing
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus was found 'battered to death' in a Louth house before his body was dumped at Mornington Beach. 54‑year‑old Aivars Sondors is charged with three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who is alleged to have unlawfully killed Mr Butkus. Sondors admitted the allegations but pleaded not guilty, arguing possible duress. He gave four Garda interviews starting 13 September 2013, describing a tense night on 9 September when Gaizutis allegedly threatened him after a dispute over money. Sondors claimed he slept in the house that night, was awakened by Gaizutis asking for car keys, and later returned to bed. He stated he had never met Mr Butkus and offered no explanation for a fingerprint found on a handrail. The trial is set to continue tomorrow before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Impeding accused told gardai he was asleep on night of killing. 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 13, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 9 Other
- September 10 Incident
- 2016-05-31 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
- Burke House
- Nicholas Kelly from Drogheda Garda Station
- Drogheda
Topics
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