Courts / Louth / Report
Core of case about "why", defence lawyers tell impeding jury
Summary
The trial of Aivars Sondors, 54, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. He faces three counts of assisting an offender without reasonable excuse by allegedly impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, who has already been convicted of unlawfully killing 44-year-old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus. Sondors, of Sycamore Close, Termon Abbey, Drogheda, pleaded not guilty to all three counts, claiming he acted under duress. The charges relate to incidents on September 9th or 10th, 2013, including moving Butkus's body from Marsh Road to Mornington Beach and cleaning the scene. Defence counsel Colman Fitzgerald SC argued the core issue was why Sondors acted, emphasizing duress and reasonable excuse, noting that threats need not be expressed. Prosecution counsel Patrick Gageby SC countered that obedience to orders is not a defence and highlighted that Sondors had the opportunity to contact gardai. The jury is expected to begin deliberations after being charged by Ms Justice Carmel Stewart. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Core of case about "why", defence lawyers tell impeding jury. Charges or matters: all three counts; three counts of assisting an offender without reasonable excuse on September 9th or 10th 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed 44-year-old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 9th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-06-02 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: three counts of assisting an offender without reasonable excuse on September 9th or 10th 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed 44-year-old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus; all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Convicted Person
Charges: all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Marsh Road
- Mathew's Lane
- Burke House
Topics
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