Courts / Louth / Report
Accused admitted impeding investigation after bloody fingerprint discovery
Summary
The Central Criminal Court heard that 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus was 'battered to death' in a Louth house before his body was dumped at Mornington Beach. Aivars Sondors, 54, is charged with three counts of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who had unlawfully killed Butkus. The charges include moving the body from the house on Marsh Road, placing it in the sea, cleaning the scene, and disposing of carpet, clothing, a nail brush, bin bag, bottles and tins from the Burke House. Sondors admitted the three allegations but pleaded not guilty, claiming duress. He denied involvement when interviewed by gardai but could not explain how his fingerprint was found in blood at the scene. Detective Sergeant Liam Archbold testified that Sondors was told to seek legal advice and return to Garda Station. The trial continues before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Accused admitted impeding investigation after bloody fingerprint discovery. 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 the Lithuanian; all three counts. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 9th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-06-01 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 the Lithuanian; 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 the Lithuanian; all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Marsh Road
- Mathew's Lane
- Burke House
- and return to Drogheda Garda Station
- Drogheda
Topics
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