Accused told gardai stabbing was self-defence

A 35-year-old Polish national has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Romanian man who was fatally stabbed at an apartment complex in Cavan in October 2012. The accused told gardai during interview that he acted in self-defence when he stabbed the victim, who he claimed was attacking him with a knife. He stated the injured man was still standing when he left the apartment. The Central Criminal Court has heard that the victim sustained two stab wounds, including one to the chest that proved fatal. The State Pathologist indicated the force required was mild to moderate and suggested the possibility of two assailants. The accused has separately pleaded guilty to criminal damage relating to a door at the same location. The trial continues.