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Knife Trial: Accused Denies Murder, Claims Mental State
22 Sep
Summary
- Woman admits stabbing partner but denies murder charge.
- Defense claims diminished responsibility due to mental state.
- Son accused of perverting the course of justice.
Sylwia Bukala, aged 43, has gone on trial at Lincoln Crown Court accused of murdering her partner, Karol Likiera, 41. Likiera was found dead on August 18, 2025, at their Skegness flat after emergency services were called.
Bukala admits to stabbing Likiera but denies the murder charge. Her defense contends she acted due to diminished responsibility stemming from her psychiatric state at the time, a stance the prosecution does not accept.
Prosecutors detailed that the couple's relationship was turbulent, marked by alcohol and drug use. Neighbors reported hearing shouting and a thud the day before the body was discovered. A post-mortem revealed a fatal stab wound to the chest, with DNA from the victim found on a kitchen knife.
Meanwhile, Bukala's son, Alberto Bukala, 22, is separately accused of perverting the course of justice in connection with the events of August 18, 2025.
