Man to stand trial over death of friend who was kicked to death

A man who allegedly kicked his friend to death and tried to carve the word “rat” into his chest is to stand trial for his murder, a judge ordered today.
Belfast Magistrates' CourtBelfast Magistrates' Court
Belfast Magistrates' Court

Sarunas Nauburaitis, 34, is also accused of stealing and using a bank card belonging to the victim whose body lay undiscovered for up to a week.

Police found 44-year-old Maris Ludborzs lying dead in the kitchen of the defendant’s north Belfast home in May this year.

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A sleeping bag had been placed over his body and a toy skeleton rodent was located in his boxer shorts, detectives previously disclosed.

Mr Ludborzs’ identity was only confirmed after checks were carried out in his native Latvia.

Nauburaitis, a Lithuanian national of Oakley Street in the city, is charged with carrying out the murder on a date unknown between May 14-24.

He faces two further counts of theft and fraud by false representation in connection with one of Mr Ludborzs’ bank cards.

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He was arrested after walking into a PSNI station just before the body was discovered.

Police told an earlier hearing that Nauburaitis claimed to have kicked the victim about the head and body for offending him during a drinking session.

He also allegedly said that he attempted to pour bleach on Mr Ludborzs face, put a bin bag over his head and tried to carve “rat” in his chest.

During a preliminary enquiry hearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today the accused confirmed that he understood the charges against him.

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He declined to call witnesses or give evidence at this stage.

Defence barrister Richard McConkey did not contest prosecution submissions that his client has a case to answer.

On that basis District Judge George Conner granted an application for the case to proceed to trial.

He told the defendant: “You will be returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed.”

Nauburaitis remains in custody and is expected to appear again for arraignment early next year.