Gardaí: Inconsistencies in fatal stabbing statements

GARDAÍ have said there are “inconsistencies” in statements given by some of the friends of a Polish man who was fatally stabbed last Sunday.

Detectives are still looking to speak to most of the 10 to 14 people who were socialising with Bartkoniej Urbaniak overnight on Saturday.

The 29-year-old received a stab wound to his stomach after leaving a birthday party at a popular venue in Swords, north county Dublin.

Gardaí said they are “not clear” where the stabbing happened.

The group had booked a private suite at the Wright Venue for €1,000 and spent another €500 on drinks. Gardaí suspect that cocaine may also have been taken.

The group then went to the main club at the venue and got split up.

Many of them, including Mr Urbaniak, left the venue in two taxis and went back for a party at the Hogan House apartment complex on Richmond Road, Fairview, in Dublin’s north city.

“We think the stabbing either happened inside the complex or on the road. We’re not sure yet,” said one garda source.

Two people who were with Mr Urbaniak drove him to the Rotunda Maternity Hospital, in the city centre, apparently in the mistaken belief it was a normal hospital. They arrived there at 3.45am.

One of the men brought Mr Urbaniak to shocked nursing staff and expectant mothers. This man stayed, while the driver left.

Staff transferred Mr Urbaniak to the Mater Hospital nearby where he doctors fought to save him, but he died from his injuries at 3.55pm.

Mr Urbaniak had been in the country for a number of years. He was a factory worker and was living in Naas, Co Kildare. He was visiting friends in Dublin at the weekend.

Gardaí said there were “inconsistencies” between some of the Polish friends of Mr Urbaniak they had so far interviewed. They want to track down and interview the remainder of them.

Gardaí have conducted forensic examinations on two apartments at Hogan House, as well as on the car used to transport Mr Urbaniak.

“We believe members of the Polish community have information,” said a garda source. “We also want to speak to the two taxi drivers who transported the Polish people to Richmond Road.”

Anyone with information is asked to ring Swords Garda Station on 01-6664700 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Gardaí last night issued a separate appeal in Polish.

Mr Urbaniak’s family has been contacted and are understood to be making arrangements to travel here, where a formal identification will take place.