Man facing trial for knife murder dies while out on bail
The Central Criminal Court
A 35-year-old man who was facing trial for murder after he allegedly stabbed another man in the heart with a four-inch flick knife has died while out on bail.
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Danut Scurtu, of Rosebud Cottage, Old Connell, Newbridge, Co Kildare, had appeared before Naas District Court last July charged with the murder of Czech national Jan Procházka (36).
He was due to appear at the Central Criminal Court today to be given a trial date.
When his case was called, however, Mr Justice Paul McDermott was told that Scurtu had “passed away”.
No order was made by the judge and the case will now be struck from the record.
Read more
Scurtu had originally appeared in court charged with assault causing harm against Mr Procházka and possession of a knife following an altercation at Patrick Street, Newbridge, last April.
Garda Detective Paddy Regan told a special sitting of Naas District Court on April 8 that the knife used in the assault had pierced the victim’s heart and that Mr Procházka suffered two cardiac arrests on the way to hospital.
After gardai said the defendant was a flight risk, Judge Desmond Zaidan refused bail and remanded him in custody.
Scurtu later secured bail on April 20 after applying to the High Court.
Mr Procházka died two days after the assault and Scurtu was charged with his murder at Nass District Court on July 16.
Today's Headlines
Gutted | Tommy Fury mocked as he is forced to pull out of Jake Paul clash over visa issues
Tik-dock | Watch: Irish TikToker asks prisoners in van, 'how much will you give us to let you out'
Writing on the wall | Loyalists turn on ex-British soldier Philip McLernon after child porn conviction
young victims | Cheer star Jerry Harris says ‘I am not an evil person’ as he's jailed for child porn crimes
new job | Dr Tony Holohan to take up role in UCD after abandoning job Trinity following salary controversy
VILE ACTS | On-the-run paedo who attacked boy (8) in bowling alley toilet faces stint in Irish jail
'not sustainable' | Boris Johnson finally agrees to resign as UK Conservative Party leader
solidarity | Taoiseach tells Zelensky Ireland will increase funds to bring ‘war criminals’ to justice
New figures | 110 Gardai currently suspended including 17 for 'sexual offences'
detention | Nicki Minaj’s husband under house arrest for failing to register as sex offender