Four more may face charges over screwdriver deaths

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has yet to decide whether four other people are to be charged in connection with the death of two Polish immigrants late last month.

A 17-year-old youth — the fifth person arrested — appeared in Dublin District Court on Saturday charged with the murder of Polish man Pawel Kalite, 26, who was stabbed with a screwdriver on February 23.

Mr Kalite and a colleague, Marius Szwajkos, 27, were attacked by a group at Benbulben Road, Drimnagh, south Dublin, a short distance from their home. Both men later died in hospital.

Judge Thomas Fitzpatrick heard the accused — who cannot be named for legal reasons — was arrested at Crumlin Garda Station on Friday night and was taken to Sundrive Station where, at 11.05pm, he was charged with the murder.

He replied “No” when the charge was read out.

He signed a statement confirming his reply and was accompanied by his father.

The judge granted Detective Garda Eamonn Maloney’s application that the accused be remanded in custody to St Patrick’s Institution until Wednesday, March 19. He will appear in the Children’s Court that morning.

On the application of defence solicitor Ciara McCann, Judge Fitzpatrick said he would grant legal aid because of the gravity of the alleged offence.

The youth, from Dublin’s inner city, stood in the courtroom but did not speak during the five-minute hearing.

Of small build with red hair, he was dressed in a hooded top with tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Files relating to four other people were sent by investigating gardaí to the DPP, whose decision is pending.