A Polish man has been released from custody at the Central Criminal Court after three years in detention. Justice Patrick McCarthy directed the jury to acquit Dariusz Weckowicz (51) of the murder of Bogdan Michalkiewicz (41) at Westside Apartments, Letterkenny, County Donegal on 13 May 2013, ruling the prosecution evidence insufficient to place him before a jury. Mr Weckowicz had pleaded not guilty to the charge. Separately, Krzysztof Grzegorski (22) remains on trial for the same murder. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution rejected. The court has heard evidence regarding the circumstances of the death, including multiple injuries sustained by the deceased. Justice McCarthy has instructed the jury on the legal burden of proof, emphasising that intention formed while intoxicated constitutes the same basis for conviction as intention formed while sober. The jury will begin deliberations on Monday.
In a 13‑day trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 42‑year‑old man was convicted of raping his wife in their home in May 2014 and of threatening to cut her face with a carving knife the day before. He was also found guilty of threatening to kill her over the phone the following day. The jury could not reach verdicts on charges that he head‑butted her in May 2014 and threatened to do "serious damage" to her when they met to discuss custody of their son. The accused denied the rape and other allegations, claiming jealousy over his wife's career and a sense of being excluded by her family. He had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a hammer in August 2014. Justice Isobel Kennedy ordered his registration as a sex offender and remanded him in custody for sentencing on 18 July. The unnamed 42 year old pleaded not guilty.
A 42‑year‑old man was found guilty by a jury of threatening to cut his wife's face open with a cleaver on 25 May 2014, a threat he denied, claiming he only held a butter knife while making a sandwich. The jury is still deliberating on allegations that he ordered her upstairs that night and raped her, as well as on charges of assault causing harm and four other threats to kill or cause serious harm between May and August 2014. The trial noted that the couple's marriage was under stress, with the man unhappy about the wife's career and time spent with their infant son. He had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014 and pleaded not guilty to the rape, assault and threat charges.
A jury of one woman and eleven men has begun deliberations on the verdict in the trial of a 42‑year‑old man accused of raping, head‑butting and threatening to kill his wife. The accused had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. He denies the rape, head‑butting and threats, claiming the marriage was breaking down over the previous five months. The jury was instructed to start deliberations after a summary of evidence from Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy on day eleven of the trial. The unnamed 42 year old pleaded not guilty.
Krzystof Grzegorski (22) made a video confession from England after learning his co-accused had been arrested for a killing he carried out, the Central Criminal Court heard on Monday. Mr Grzegorski has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of Bogdan Michalkiewicz (41) at his home in Letterkenny, Co Donegal on May 13, 2013. The State did not accept the guilty plea. His co-accused, Dariusz Weckowicz (51), has pleaded not guilty to murder. During interview at Ronanstown Garda Station in March 2014, gardai heard Mr Grzegorski describe recording the video while in England, stating he would not allow a friend to serve time for the offence. In the video, he confessed to inflicting all deadly wounds and asserted Mr Weckowicz's innocence. Mr Grzegorski told detectives he could not recall specifics of the incident due to heavy drinking but remembered stabbing the deceased in the chest following a dispute. The trial before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury continues on Wednesday.
In a 2016 trial, a 42‑year‑old man was accused of raping his wife during a marital breakdown. He pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm, and four threat counts, while a fifth threat count was directed to a not‑guilty verdict. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer urged jurors to consider possible motives for the wife's allegations, citing revenge, bitterness, desire, custody or property concerns. He noted the accused admitted assaulting his wife with a hammer months after the alleged rape, arguing this should not influence other charges. Prosecuting counsel Mary Rose Gearty highlighted alleged inconsistencies in the wife's testimony, including fabricated claims of head‑butting and petrol dousing, and questioned her credibility. The trial proceeded before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
A 29‑year‑old woman, Marta Herda of Arklow, will stand trial for the 2013 murder of Hungarian Csaba Orsas in Wicklow. She was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court, where she pleaded not guilty. The case will be heard by a jury of seven women and five men, with the trial expected to last seven or eight days. The prosecution requested a Hungarian interpreter for one witness, while the defense was assisted by a Polish interpreter during the arraignment.
At the Central Criminal Court, Dariusz Weckowicz has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Bogdan Michalkiewicz on 13 May 2013 at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny, County Donegal. His co-accused, Krzystof Grzegorski, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. During garda interviews on 17 June 2013, Mr Weckowicz told officers he was drinking heavily and could recall only "flashbacks" of the day in question. When presented with CCTV evidence placing him in the area with Mr Grzegorski, he stated he was surprised by his presence there and could not explain it. Gardai noted blood found on his clothing and told him he must have been present when the deceased was killed. Mr Weckowicz maintained he would have intervened had he witnessed violence against his friend and denied knowledge of events. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
In a 2016 case, Judge Patrick McCartan dismissed charges against Sheshi Kota, a 40‑year‑old former Dublin resident, who withdrew €13,600 from an Ulster Bank ATM during a computer fault that allowed unlimited withdrawals. The prosecution failed to prove the existence of the legal entity "Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd." and that the bank had not consented to the withdrawals. Kota had pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of theft, claiming the withdrawals were overdrafts. The judge directed the jury to find him not guilty on all counts, noting that proving theft requires evidence of a legitimate owner and that the ATM's malfunction was not caused by Kota. The bank had later treated the matter as a civil debt and involved Gardaí, but Kota eventually repaid the money. The case was closed with no conviction.
Two men stand accused of murdering Bogdan Michalkiewicz on May 13, 2013, at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny, County Donegal. The Central Criminal Court heard that Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, told gardaí following his arrest in June 2013 that he was "more than 100 per cent sure" he did not kill the deceased. Weckowicz has pleaded not guilty to murder. His co-accused, Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, also from Letterkenny, initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder; the State rejected this plea. Grzegorski was initially arrested the day of the alleged killing for an unrelated shoplifting matter at a local store. Gardaí noted what appeared to be dried blood on his clothing upon arrival at the station. The trial before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury continues before the Central Criminal Court.
At the Central Criminal Court, a former Detective Sergeant gave evidence regarding statements made by a man accused of murder. Michael Carroll told the court that he arrested Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, in Letterkenny, County Donegal on 16 June 2013. Following caution, Mr Weckowicz stated he did not kill the alleged victim and expressed certainty of his innocence. Mr Weckowicz and co-accused Dariusz Grzegorski, aged 22, both of Letterkenny, face murder charges relating to the death of Bogdan Michalkiewicz on 13 May 2013 at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny. Mr Grzegorski has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State declined to accept this plea. Mr Weckowicz has pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial, before a jury of twelve, continues.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 22 June 2016, a 42‑year‑old man accused of raping and assaulting his wife denied any abusive conduct towards Gardaí who passed him in the courtroom. He had spent the seventh day of his trial giving evidence in his own defence, where he denied raping, threatening and head‑butting his wife during a marital breakdown in 2014. He had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014 and expressed deep remorse. Prosecutor Mary Rose Gearty SC questioned him about allegedly calling the Gardaí "you fucker"; he denied this and claimed the officers had broken two of his ribs during his arrest. He also denied other alleged acts such as head‑butting, threatening to cut her face, and lying on top of her to rape her. The unnamed 42 year old pleaded not guilty.
A consultant pathologist with 28 years' experience told the Central Criminal Court that she had never encountered injuries of the type found on a man discovered dead at his Letterkenny home in May 2013. Dr Alison Armour gave evidence at the trial of Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, and Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, both of Letterkenny, charged with the murder of Bogdan Michalkiewicz. Mr Grzegorski has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State. Mr Weckowicz has pleaded not guilty. Dr Armour identified at least 46 injuries to the head and face, including stab wounds and injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. She documented multiple stab wounds to the stomach, two penetrating the liver, fractured ribs, and severe fractures to the skull and facial bones. The deceased bore a severed throat and nine stab wounds to the back of the tongue, which she described as extraordinarily unusual. She concluded that three separate injuries would have been sufficient to cause death, with the overall assault being sustained and violent.
In a Central Criminal Court trial in Laois, a 38‑year‑old man was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for killing his 26‑year‑old housemate, Deivydas Zigelis, after a dispute over ribs. The case began when Zigelis, who had gone to buy cider and ribs, returned home without the ribs. The accused, Alexander Karpovs, claimed he was offended and stabbed Zigelis with a kitchen knife. CCTV showed Zigelis making several trips to an off‑licence and a butcher's shop that day. The jury, after nearly six hours of deliberation over two days, returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Mr Justice Paul Butler remanded Zigelis in custody until a sentencing date is set.
The 42‑year‑old accused of rape, assault and threats against his wife told Gardaí that "black magic" had been used on their relationship. He claimed he had been cursed in his native country by someone who wanted the marriage to end so he could marry that person's daughter. He pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm between 24 May and 1 August 2014, and had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. During Garda interviews he denied raping or threatening his wife, said he had shoved her once but denied head‑butting or telling her he would kill her, and admitted attacking her with a hammer outside her parents' home on a later date.
At the Central Criminal Court, a forensic expert testified that blood found on clothing and a shoe belonging to Dariusz Weckowicz matched that of Bogdan Michalkiewicz, who died on 13 May 2013 at his home in Westside, Letterkenny, County Donegal. Dr Alan McGee of Forensic Science Ireland examined items Weckowicz surrendered to gardaí four days after the alleged killing. Blood patterns on the jacket indicated Weckowicz was within two metres of the deceased while actively bleeding. Three knives recovered at the scene also bore the victim's blood. Defence counsel questioned whether the evidence established Weckowicz's involvement in inflicting injuries, with Dr McGee stating he could not rule anything in or out. A second forensic witness found bloody footprints on items at the scene that did not match Weckowicz's shoes. Weckowicz, aged 51, and Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, both of Letterkenny, stand charged with murder. Grzegorski pleaded guilty to manslaughter, though the State rejected this plea. Weckowicz pleaded not guilty. The trial before Justice Patrick McCarthy continues.
The jury has resumed deliberations in the Central Criminal Court trial of Alexander Karpovs, a 26‑year‑old Latvian, charged with murdering his housemate Deivydas Zigelis, a 38‑year‑old Lithuanian. The case alleges that Karpovs, who had told Zigelis to buy ribs from the butcher, stabbed him with a kitchen knife after Zigelis returned home without the requested food. Karpovs is also charged with manslaughter. The jury, composed of six men and six women, had previously deliberated for almost four hours before a break and is now continuing its discussion this afternoon. The trial is ongoing. The unnamed 26-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Denis Leahy, a 50-year-old man from Queen Street, Dublin 7, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court. He is accused of attempting to murder Rose Kenny, 51, at School Street Flats in Dublin 8 on September 23, 2014. Mr. Leahy pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder. However, he pleaded guilty to the separate allegation of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms. Kenny at the same address on the same date. A jury of nine men and three women was sworn in for the proceedings. Mr. Justice Patrick McCarthy addressed the jury, stating that the trial is expected to last four days. He instructed them to decide the case based solely on the evidence heard in court. The trial is scheduled to begin in evidence before Mr. Justice Paul Butler. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with the not guilty plea to the primary charge remaining contested.
In a Laois Central Criminal Court trial, a jury has begun deliberating on the murder of 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpovs, who died of a single stab wound to the heart after a dispute over ribs. The accused, 38‑year‑old Deivydas Zigelis, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Both men worked as bin collectors and spent weekends drinking at home. The jury heard that Zigelis, after Karpovs returned from the butcher without ribs, became offended, took a kitchen knife, and stabbed him. CCTV showed Zigelis entering a butcher's shop that afternoon and leaving empty‑handed. The prosecution argued that intoxication was not a defence and that intent to kill or seriously harm existed. The jury deliberated for almost two hours before being sent home for the night, to resume on Tuesday morning.
At the Central Criminal Court, a detective from the Garda Technical Bureau described evidence gathered at an apartment in Westside, Letterkenny, following the death of a 41-year-old man in May 2013. Detective Garda Shane Curran outlined findings from the scene, including blood spatter patterns on the ceiling, extensive staining in living areas, and a body bearing injuries to the chest, neck, head and face. He detailed items recovered as evidence, among them a table leg with blood and hair, pillows bearing bloody footprints, and three knives, two of which appeared bloodstained. Two men are before the court on charges arising from the incident. Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State did not accept this plea. Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial, heard before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, continues.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a woman accused a Dublin garda of failing to investigate her complaints about alleged rape, assault and threats by her husband. She said the husband raped her in May 2014, threatened to cut her face with a knife, and on 8–9 June 2014 threatened her, harassed her and crashed into her car, prompting a complaint to gardaí. She expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of her complaint, noting that a different station took over the investigation in August 2014 after the husband assaulted her with a hammer. She claimed the garda had not followed up or taken the complaint seriously. The husband pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm, but had pleaded guilty to assault with a hammer. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
Julian Cuddihy, 43, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum for inpatient care following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. He was accused of murdering his parents, Kathleen (73) and James (77), at their home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, on October 22, 2014. Cuddihy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and a jury delivered a unanimous verdict after less than an hour of deliberation. Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan ordered his committal based on a report by Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Sally Lenihan, who assessed Cuddihy as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia requiring care available only at the designated centre. The court found he was suffering from a mental disorder under the 2006 Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Evidence presented at trial detailed Cuddihy's deteriorating mental health, including paranoid delusions involving aliens and the belief that his mother was poisoning him. He reportedly believed killing his parents would send them to heaven. The State Pathologist confirmed multiple axe wounds to the victims' heads and stab wounds to James Cuddihy. The judge expressed deepest sympathies to the family, who conducted themselves appropriately during the difficult proceedings.
In a rape trial, a woman alleged her husband raped her in their home while their son slept downstairs. She had obtained a barring order from the District Court but was told by the judge that she must facilitate access for her husband to their child. She said she arranged meetings in public places for safety. She did not use the word "rape" when applying for the order, finding it difficult. The accused, 42, pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014, and had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. The trial, before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of eleven men and one woman, heard the woman's statements about her fear, attempts to leave, and the judge's instructions to maintain contact for their son's access. The case remains ongoing.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Deivydas Zigelis, aged 38, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter after stabbing 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, a Latvian, with a kitchen knife on 15 February 2014. Zigelis claimed he and Karpov had spent the day drinking with a friend in Laois, then returned to Portarlington where he stabbed Karpov after an argument. He said he had called Gardaí 30 minutes later. Zigelis described a history of drinking together, arguing rarely, and that Karpov had annoyed him while intoxicated. He asserted that if Karpov had brought food home with the cider, he would still be alive. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Butler, continues on Monday.
A witness at the Central Criminal Court told the jury that a man accused of murder knelt down and swore on his knees that he had not been involved in the killing. Adam Kycwaik said he encountered the accused, Dariusz Weckowicz, a few days after his friend Bogdan Michalkiewicz was discovered beaten to death at his home in Westside Apartments, Letterkenny, County Donegal on May 13, 2013. Mr Weckowicz, aged 51, and Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, both formerly of Letterkenny, face murder charges. Mr Grzegorski has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State did not accept. Mr Weckowicz has pleaded not guilty to murder. The witness testified that Mr Weckowicz told him he had been present at the scene but was intoxicated and did not participate in the assault. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
A garda from Bundoran, County Donegal, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity of harassing a married female sergeant at a Dublin garda station between February 2012 and February 2013. The 40-year-old man had sent a Valentine's card, numerous emails via the garda Pulse system, and a Facebook friend request to the woman despite repeated warnings from superiors and an oral undertaking to cease contact. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the behaviour caused the complainant significant stress and affected her work and family life. Two forensic psychiatrists gave evidence that the accused was suffering from frontotemporal dementia, an early-onset condition causing erotomania and an inability to understand the impact of his actions or control his behaviour. The jury returned a not guilty verdict after deliberating for one hour. Judge Elma Sheahan committed the man to the Central Mental Hospital pending a report for 27 June to determine appropriate steps.
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.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 42‑year‑old man accused of raping his wife pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between 24 May and 1 August 2014. He had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. The wife testified that the accused threatened her repeatedly, saying "I can rape you if I want" and "I'm going to finish this tonight," and that he had called her while she was on holiday in Spain, claiming to know her location. She described incidents where he followed her, attempted to seize her keys, and crashed into her car at traffic lights. She also reported that he had installed apps on her phone without permission and turned on location services. The trial is before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of eleven men and one woman.
Brian McHugh, aged 31, was sentenced to four years in jail after a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found him guilty of robbery. The case stemmed from a dispute over a laptop at Megan Lawlor's home. McHugh entered the house, kicked down the bedroom door, and allegedly held a knife to Lawlor's neck, threatening to slash her face. He then took her phone and left. Lawlor reported the incident, and McHugh was later stopped by Gardaí. He denied the robbery and the threat, but a jury convicted him of robbery and acquitted him of the threat. McHugh also pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the door. The judge noted his 47 prior convictions and imposed the four‑year term, with no mention of a suspended portion or effective custody beyond the sentence itself. The court did not address any subsequent legal actions.
Garda Donal Maguire, 40, of Bundoran, Co. Donegal, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on two counts of harassing a female sergeant between February 2012 and February 2013. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecution counsel Gerardine Small BL stated that while the harassment is not disputed, the jury must determine if Maguire suffered from a mental disorder at the time. Two forensic psychiatrists, Dr. Brenda Wright for the State and Dr. Conor O'Neill for the defence, testified that Maguire was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, an early-onset condition, from approximately 2010. They concluded that his disorder, which included symptoms such as erotomania and a lack of empathy, meant he did not appreciate his actions were wrong and lacked the ability to form intent under the Criminal Law (Insanity Act 2006). Both experts noted that his persistent behaviour, despite warnings from superiors, was consistent with his diagnosis. Defence counsel Ronan Kennedy BL described the case as tragic, noting Maguire's promising career was affected by his illness. Maguire is currently being treated in the Central Mental Hospital with no immediate plans for discharge. Both legal teams urged the jury to return a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury, comprising three women and nine men, was addressed by Judge Elma Sheahan and is expected to retire to consider their verdict.
At the Central Criminal Court, a witness told a murder trial that one of the two accused appeared intoxicated and displayed unusual aggression on the date of the alleged killing. Przemyslaw Lyczek, from Letterkenny, described the behaviour of Krzystof Grzegorski (22) as strange and noted the smell of alcohol. The trial concerns the death of Bogdan Michalkiewicz on 13 May 2013 at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny, County Donegal. Grzegorski and Dariusz Weckowicz (51) face murder charges. Grzegorski has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State rejected this plea. Weckowicz has pleaded not guilty to murder. A further witness, Petr Adamovicz, testified that he observed a stain on Weckowicz's clothing shortly after the body was discovered. The trial, heard before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury, continues.
In a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, a 49‑year‑old witness, Rimas Sodaitis, testified that he was watching television when he saw the accused, 38‑year‑old Deivydas Zigelis, run toward the deceased, 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, with a knife. Sodaitis described a prior conflict between the accused and the deceased, noting that they had been drinking vodka and cider and had been shouting. He said the accused grabbed a knife from a small table, kicked the table, and ran toward Karpov. Sodaitis claimed he did not see what happened next, but later saw blood and heard the accused ask where it was coming from. He also reported that the accused cleaned up the blood before calling emergency services. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler. The unnamed 49-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 42‑year‑old man was accused of threatening his wife with a knife and saying, "I can rape you if I want," before allegedly raping her on 25 May 2014. He had previously poured lighter fluid around the house while their child was present and had threatened to cut her face open. The wife, who had been arguing with him about ending the relationship, said he pushed her upstairs and raped her while naked. She claimed he told her, "The guards will never arrive in time, don't even think about it," and that he had said, "I can do this if I want; I can rape you if I want." She obtained a temporary barring order the next day. The unnamed 42 year old pleaded not guilty.
A garda stationed in Bundoran, County Donegal, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to two counts of harassment against a female sergeant at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have sent a Valentine's card, multiple emails and a Facebook friend request to the woman between February 2012 and February 2013, despite repeated warnings from senior officers to cease contact. The prosecution does not dispute that harassment occurred but contends the central issue for the jury is whether the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time. The court heard that the woman, who is married with children, had made clear her lack of romantic interest and that the unwanted contact caused her significant distress, affecting her work and family life. A consultant psychiatrist is expected to give evidence that the accused was unable to understand his actions were wrong. The trial continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and jury.
The murder trial of Dariusz Weckowicz and Krzystof Grzegorski, accused of killing Bogdan Michalkiewicz in Letterkenny in 2013, continued before Justice Patrick McCarthy. Both men face murder charges; Mr. Grzegorski pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State did not accept, while Mr. Weckowicz pleaded not guilty to murder. Witness Tomasz Michalkiewicz testified that he discovered his brother's body in a state of severe disfigurement, surrounded by smashed furniture and blood. Another witness, Dariusz Miraszewski, described Mr. Weckowicz as a heavy drinker who was not violent, noting he was frail and often passed out. Residents Claire Friel and Nicholas Mulvaney reported hearing raised voices and furniture moving on the day of the alleged incident but did not intervene. The court heard that Mr. Michalkiewicz had struggled with alcohol and a back injury. The trial is ongoing, with further evidence scheduled for the following day.
In the 2016 murder trial of 38‑year‑old Deivydas Zigelis, the Central Criminal Court heard that 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov died from a single stab wound to the heart. Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the wound was nine centimetres deep, passing between the third and fourth ribs into the right ventricle and piercing the aortic cusp. She found almost 500ml of fresh blood clot in the pericardial sac, which she said stopped the heart. No defensive wounds were observed. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
A member of An Garda Síochána from Bundoran, County Donegal, has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court charged with harassment offences. Garda Donal Maguire, aged 40 and residing at Rock Road, Bundoran, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to two counts of harassing a woman at a Dublin location. The alleged conduct occurred across two separate periods: between 18 February and 11 March 2012, and between 1 August 2012 and 4 February 2013. The trial commenced before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury and is anticipated to conclude within two days.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard evidence today of a violent attack on a Polish man at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Bogdan Michalkiewicz, aged 41, was found dead two days after the alleged assault on 13 May 2013. The prosecution opening outlined that Mr Michalkiewicz, who lived alone and received a disability pension due to arthritis, sustained multiple stab wounds and blunt-force injuries, including head trauma from a television. Krystof Grzegorski, aged 22, of Hazelbrook Park, Letterkenny pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the prosecution rejected this plea. His co-accused, Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, pleaded not guilty to murder. A Detective Sergeant from the Garda Technical Bureau gave evidence describing the scene, including blood stains, a knife, and a damaged television. The trial continues before a jury of eight men and four women.
In a 2016 trial, a 42‑year‑old man faced charges of rape, assault, and multiple threats to kill his wife amid a deteriorating marriage. The prosecution alleged he threatened her with a knife after she announced she was leaving, raped her, and forced her to promise not to leave. He also allegedly threatened to kill her and used a hammer in a prior assault. The wife had obtained a barring order, yet the accused reportedly continued threats, including calling her "you're dead." The couple met occasionally to discuss their son, but meetings were tense and threats persisted. The accused pleaded not guilty to the current charges, having previously pleaded guilty to an assault with a hammer. The case proceeded before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of eleven men and one woman.
A 38‑year‑old Lithuanian man, Deivydas Zigelis, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the 2014 murder of 26‑year‑old Alexander Karpov, a Latvian, who was stabbed at a house on Spa Street, Portarlington. Zigelis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution rejected. The jury heard a 999 call made by Zigelis at 5 pm, during which he gave the address and said someone had died. Garda Sharon Murray recorded the call and later spoke with Garda Michael Wynn, who described arriving at the house, finding one man on the couch and another on the ground, and Zigelis claiming he did not know what had happened. Detective Sergeant Pat O'Brien showed photographs of the scene, noting it was unkempt with debris and a bag of sugar in the kitchen.
Two men from Letterkenny, County Donegal, are to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Bogdan Michalkiewicz. Dariusz Weckowicz, aged 51, and Krzystof Grzegorski, aged 22, both entered not guilty pleas to the charge. The alleged offence occurred on 13 May 2013 at Westside Apartments in Letterkenny. Justice Patrick McCarthy informed the jury that proceedings are expected to extend over approximately three weeks.
A jury was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court to hear the trial of Deivydas Zigelis, a 38‑year‑old Lithuanian resident of Spa Street, Portarlington, who was accused of murdering Alexander Karpov, a Latvian man, on 15 February 2014. Zigelis pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the prosecution did not accept. The trial will proceed tomorrow before Justice Paul Butler and a jury.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 9 June 2016, two Dublin men, Michael Finlay (36) and Dean Byrne (24), were tried for unlawful possession of a 9mm semi‑automatic pistol, a magazine and various rounds of ammunition at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght on 5 June 2014. Both pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented evidence that a Kildare man's Renault Kangoo van had been stolen from his home on 30 April 2014, with its keys missing, and that the van was later recovered by the Gardaí. The van's registration number did not match the tax disc at the time of the alleged offences. Garda Graham Dunne interviewed Byrne on 6 June 2014, questioning him about the firearm, ammunition, the stolen van with false plates, and his presence at Glenshane Crescent the previous morning; Byrne gave no reply. The trial continues.
During the Special Criminal Court trial, evidence was presented that Michael Finlay (36) and Dean Byrne (24) were accused of unlawfully possessing a 9mm semi‑automatic pistol and ammunition at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, on 5 June 2014. The prosecution alleged that in June 2014 Gardaí investigating suspected IRA activity observed the pair in a stolen Renault Kangoo van, both wearing disguises, and that Finlay was seen dropping a handgun. Both men pleaded not guilty to the possession charges. In a Garda interview on 6 June 2014, Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce questioned Finlay about the firearm, ammunition, the van, false number plates, an An Post jacket, a false beard, gloves and a black bag containing two rounds of 9mm ammunition. Finlay made no comment. Forensic evidence included diesel oil found in a bottle seized from the van, a Russian‑made pistol with its serial number obliterated, and no fingerprints on the firearm or magazine. The trial continues.
A man charged with the murder of his parents in Carndonagh, County Donegal in October 2014 has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. Evidence heard today indicated that Julian Cuddihy's family had sought psychiatric intervention in the weeks preceding the deaths of Kathleen and James Cuddihy. A detective garda from Buncrana told the court that the accused's father had cancelled a mental health appointment six days before the incident. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Damian Mohan testified that the accused's parents held concerns about stigma and forced hospitalisation. The court heard that the accused experienced severe delusions, including beliefs about poisoning, alien abduction, and voices commanding him to harm family members. State pathologist evidence detailed multiple head wounds inflicted with an axe and additional stab wounds. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and jury.
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.
An autistic man, Bijan Afshar, 23, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for murdering his mother, Lynn Cassidy, 50, in Bray, County Wicklow, on 26 or 27 June 2014. The Central Criminal Court, after less than an hour of deliberation, ordered his committal to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dundrum. Justice Isobel Kennedy acted on a report by Dr Anthony Kearns, who diagnosed Afshar with autism and a mental disorder that impaired his thinking, emotions and judgment. Dr Kearns and defence counsel Michael O'Higgins agreed that Afshar was vulnerable and required inpatient care to prevent further harm. The court noted that Afshar would be reviewed by the Mental Health Board and considered for discharge under Section 13 of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Justice Kennedy thanked the jury and exempted them from service for 15 years.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 7 June 2016, Michael Finlay, 36, and Dean Byrne, 24, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a 9mm semi‑automatic pistol and magazine, and to possession of 9mm ammunition, alleged to have occurred at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, on 5 June 2014. Detective Superintendent Tom Maguire, of the Special Detective Unit, informed the court that he had confidential intelligence about IRA activity involving a white Renault Kangoo van with false registration plates that day. He briefed Detective Sergeant Joseph Finnegan, who then drove to the location, approached the van with his firearm drawn, and ordered the men inside to show their hands. Finnegan observed a firearm in the rear seat, which was dropped after he commanded it to be released. The men were wearing disguises of fake beards, hats and glasses; Finlay was in the rear seat and Byrne in the driver's seat, wearing a green An Post jacket.
Julian Cuddihy, 44, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. He is charged with killing his mother, Kathleen Cuddihy, 73, and his father, James Cuddihy, 77, at their home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, on October 22, 2014. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that Cuddihy admits to the killings and accepts the facts outlined by gardai. Prosecution counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley SC told the jury that two psychiatrists would testify that Cuddihy, a paranoid schizophrenic, suffered from delusions at the time. Dr Damian Mohan will evidence that Cuddihy believed his mother commanded him to kill her and held a grudge related to his desire to join the IRA. Dr Fiona Toal will state that Cuddihy believed he was facilitating their entry to heaven and felt compelled by voices. Both doctors concluded his mental illness prevented him from stopping the act. Detective Garda Bernard Mullins responded to a 999 call from Cuddihy's brother, who found the victims dead. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy concluded both died from head trauma. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of 12.
In a trial held at the Central Criminal Court, a jury will resume deliberations on a case involving Aivars Sondors, a 54‑year‑old Latvian, who faces three counts of assisting an offender without reasonable excuse. Sondors is accused of helping Marius Gaizutis evade capture and prosecution after Gaizutis murdered 44‑year‑old Lithuanian Audrius Butkus on 9 or 10 September 2013. The alleged assistance includes moving Butkus's body from the shared house on Marsh Road in Drogheda to the sea at Mornington Beach, cleaning the scene, and disposing of carpet, clothing, a nail brush, a bin bag, bottles and tins from the Burke House on Mathew's Lane. Gaizutis has already been convicted of the murder, which involved him striking Butkus with the blunt end of an axe. Sondors has pleaded not guilty to all three counts, claiming duress and that he acted under the killer's orders.