Courts / Kerry / Report

Witness did not mention seeing accused grab knife until sixth interview, trial hears

Date
2016-06-16

Stage
Trial

Court
Co Laois. The Central Criminal Court

Primary locality
Spa

County
Kerry

Summary

During the murder trial of Deivydas Zigelis, a 38‑year‑old Lithuanian accused of killing 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, witness Rimas Sodaitis confirmed that he did not mention seeing Zigelis grab a knife until his sixth interview with the Gardaí. Sodaitis, who had been questioned five times before, stated that he had not seen a blow or a knife in the first interview, thought the victim had been punched in the second, and only noted shouting in the fifth. He agreed with defence counsel that he had no recollection of the entire day, describing it as "a mist of alcohol." The court also heard that two knives were found in the garden and three in the house, but no fingerprints were recovered. The trial was set to continue the following day before Mr Justice Paul Butler. The unnamed 49-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness did not mention seeing accused grab knife until sixth interview, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering him at the house; the Latvian's manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When: