Courts / Longford / Report

Jury fails to reach verdict in drug dealer's murder trial

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of Rihards Lavickis, 25, ended without a verdict after the jury failed to reach a decision on the death of Akadiusz 'Arek' Czajkowski. Lavickis, of Annaly Court, Longford, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the stabbing at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark, on November 1, 2016. The prosecution alleged Lavickis was a deliberate killer who lured the deceased with a knife, while the defense argued he acted in a 'tumult of emotion' after prior hostility. Following four hours of deliberation, the foreman reported the jury could not reach a unanimous or majority verdict. Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh discharged the jury and noted that a retrial may be ordered at the discretion of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The matter was adjourned to the next list to fix a date for another trial.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury fails to reach verdict in drug dealer's murder trial. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Akadiusz 'Arek' Czajkowski at Rue Noyal Chatillon, Townspark. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 1, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-03-05 Publication

Why: He said his client's head was a "total mess" because of the persistent hostility from the deceased. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report