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Basement "red with blood", accused tells trial

Summary

The trial of Aivars Sondors, 54, at the Central Criminal Court has concluded its evidentiary phase. Sondors is charged with three counts of assisting an offender by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who has already been convicted of unlawfully killing 44-year-old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus. The allegations, dated September 9th or 10th, 2013, include moving Butkus's body from Marsh Road, Drogheda, to Mornington Beach; cleaning the scene; and disposing of items from Burke House, Mathew's Lane. Although Sondors admitted the underlying acts, he pleaded not guilty to all three counts, claiming he acted under duress. During cross-examination, he stated his basement was "red with blood" when his flatmate ordered him to help move the body. He explained omissions in his garda interviews as fatigue and attributed sand in his car to frequent family visits to the beach. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart informed the jury that evidence has finished. The matter is not adjourned; the trial proceeds to closing speeches, expected to begin this afternoon.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Basement "red with blood", accused tells trial. Charges or matters: all three counts. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 9th Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-06-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report