Man who killed Romanian fisherman jailed for 11 years

Jason Carr (22), from Crew Hill Court in Ardglass, had admitted killing Mr Zait as well as further charges of assault, stealing a bottle of vodka from him and causing criminal damage to the front door of a property next door to his two days before the murder.

The 45-year-old Romanian fisherman died on May 24, two days after being taken to hospital with head injuries, including a blood clot to the brain and suspected fractured jaw.

Carr was sentenced yesterday at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Mr Zait’s mother described her son as a “good man who did not deserve to die”.

In a statement relaesed by police she said: “Stefan was living in Northern Ireland for a number of years, and before that he lived in Turkey and Spain while looking for work.

“Stefan was a working man. Anywhere he went he looked for work, did not matter how harsh the conditions were, and he wasn’t the type of man to get into any conflict.

“He was friendly and chatty, a responsible man and he always helped others who were looking for help.

“Stefan always helped us financially and his whole focus was on us.”

Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have welcomed the sentence handed down by the court.

Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan, said: “First of all I’d like to say that my thoughts go out to Stefan’s family at this very sad time. Stefan was a hard working fisherman who had come to Northern Ireland to find work. He was a son and a brother, who took his family responsibilities seriously, sending money home every month to help support his mother and step-father.

“His mother is now left without that financial support, but worse still, her beloved son has been taken from her in the most callous and cold-blooded way.

Detective Chief Inspector Corrigan continued: “This sentencing won’t bring Stefan back to his family and friends but I hope it will bring comfort to them knowing that Jason Carr is now in prison, paying the price for taking the life of their son and brother, Stefan.”

Nicola Goulding (36) was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months for perverting the course of justice.

David Carr (51) was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for three years for intimidation.