A Czech man who pleaded guilty to the murder of a female friend after a row at Inverin two years ago was this week given a life sentence.
Jakub Fidler (24 ) of Cartur Leathan, Indreabhan, Co Galway, murdered his friend Nicola Vonkova (19 ) who was also from the Czech Republic, at Inverin, Co Galway, on a date between July 20 and 21, 2008.
Gardai later found the woman’s body immersed in water, lying face down in a nearby drain. The Central Criminal Court was told that Ms Vonkova died as a result of strangulation.
Fidler told gardai at Galway Garda station during interviews that he had been with Ms Vonkova from 7pm on the evening of July 20 until her death.
Fidler said there had been an argument on the way back from the beach in which he accused Ms Vonkova of spying on his e-mail and instant messaging accounts, and when they reached the house there was a big argument which culminated in Ms Vonkova’s death.
The deceased had originally met the accused when they both worked in a Tesco supermarket in the Czech Republic.
During the case the court was told how on July 21, 2008 gardai received a 999 call from Michael Coleman who informed them that he was being held hostage by Fidler at his home in Inverin. Mr Coleman told gardai Fidler may have murdered Ms Vonkova but he could not be sure as he is blind. Mr Coleman also stated that he was calling at the request of the accused who wanted to hand himself in.
John Gallagher who was defending the accused said Fidler was profoundly remorseful for what he had done.
Ms Vonkova’s family were present for sentencing yesterday having travelled from the Czech Republic. The deceased woman’s mother described her daughter as being “extremely self-sacrificing” and of being someone who had a “strong social sentiment”.
Magdalena Vonkova said, “I am a mother who survived her child, and this is a situation no mother is prerared for.”
Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed the mandatory life sentence.
