Husband's murder trial ends as three jurors cannot attend court

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has been halted after three jurors notified the court they could not attend proceedings. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon discharged the 12-member jury on 18 March, noting that one juror would likely be unable to participate further, while the availability of the other two remained uncertain for at least one week. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The closing speeches from prosecution and defence had been scheduled for the trial's final stage. Both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the defence counsel consented to the jury's discharge, citing the unfairness of reassembling jurors at an unknown future date. Ms Justice Creedon agreed, acknowledging the trial had nearly concluded but prioritising the accused's fair trial rights. Mr Karaczyn was remanded in custody on bail pending 30 March.