Courts / Wicklow / Report

State's case is that woman lured man to his death, defence lawyers indicate

Summary

The trial of Marta Herda, 29, for the murder of 31‑year‑old Csaba Orsas began on the second day at the Central Criminal Court. Herda, a Polish waitress from Arklow, is charged with driving Orsas into a deep harbour on 26 March 2013 and has pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC argued that the State's case is that Herda lured Orsas to his death through phone calls. Garda Michael Hall presented records of calls and texts between Herda, Orsas and colleagues at the Brook Lodge Hotel, noting several between 5.20 am and 5.21 am that day. The prosecution suggested these communications were suspicious and instrumental in luring Orsas. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Orsas's injuries were consistent with drowning, citing abundant blood‑stained froth in his airways and overinflated lungs. The jury, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, heard these arguments and evidence before continuing the trial later that day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: State's case is that woman lured man to his death, defence lawyers indicate. Charges or matters: the murder of 31-year-old Csaba Orsas around 6am on March 26, 2013; murdering the Hungarian at South Quay, Arklow. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 26, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-07-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report