Murder accused stabbed poker opponent after losing "all his money", trial hears

A 39-year-old meat factory worker has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of his housemate in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, on New Year's Day 2018. The Central Criminal Court heard that Tomasz Paszkiewicz stabbed his poker opponent twice in the upper body after losing hundreds of euro in a game on New Year's Eve. The accused told gardai he obtained the knife from his kitchen, though he claimed to have no clear recollection of the incident or his actions. A witness testified that the deceased came inside holding his stomach, stating he had been stabbed and requesting an ambulance. Paszkiewicz said he took responsibility for the killing but did not decide to stab the man. The prosecution closed its case on Tuesday, with the defence indicating it would not call evidence. Closing speeches are scheduled for Wednesday morning before Justice Tara Burns and the jury.