Courts / Louth / Report
Jury fails to reach verdict in body-in-basement case
Summary
A jury could not agree on a verdict in the trial of 54‑year‑old Aivars Sondors, who was charged with three counts of assisting an offender in the murder of 44‑year‑old Audrius Butkus. Sondors admitted moving the body from a house on Marsh Road, Drogheda, and dumping it in the sea at Mornington Beach, cleaning the scene, and disposing of carpet, clothing, a nail brush, a bin bag, bottles and tins from a derelict house on Mathew's Lane. He pleaded not guilty to all counts, claiming duress. The Central Criminal Court heard that the killer, Marius Gaizutis, had already been convicted of the murder. The jury deliberated for almost six hours but could not reach a verdict, and the judge recorded "Disagreed" for all three counts. Sondors remains on continuing bail until the next hearing on 27 June.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury fails to reach verdict in body-in-basement case. Charges or matters: all three counts; three counts of assisting an offender on September 9th or 10th 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing that he had killed 44-year-old Audrius Butkus. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 9th Hearing Or Sentence
- June 27th Adjournment
- 2016-06-08 Publication
Why: The defence team suggested that Mr Sondors committed the offences because he was in fear of death or serious injury at the hands of the killer. Defence account reported by CNI
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 that he had killed 44-year-old Audrius Butkus; all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She remanded Mr Sondors on continuing bail until the next list to fix dates on June 27th.
Convicted Person
Charges: all three counts (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She remanded Mr Sondors on continuing bail until the next list to fix dates on June 27th.
Places mentioned
- Marsh Road
- Mathew's Lane
- The Central Criminal Court
- Marsh Road
- Marsh Road
Topics
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