Court hears 999 call from husband who beat wife with hammer after buying birthday flowers
A court has heard the 999 call made by a Polish man after he beat his wife with a lump hammer at their Dublin home on the morning of her birthday.
Andrzej Benko of Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, is on trial for the attempted murder of Joanna Benko at their home in July 2010.
Joanna Benko was brought to court in a wheelchair this morning, but managed to make her own way across the court room using crutches.
The jury heard she was asleep with her young son on the morning of her birthday on July 5, 2010, when her husband went out to buy her flowers.
Andrzej Benko returned at around 10am, scooped his son into his arms and carried him downstairs before beating his wife with a lump hammer.
He then left the house and called emergency services as he made his way to his local Garda station.
A recording of the 999 call was played to the packed court room today and Mr Benko is heard telling the operator: "Ring ambulance. I probably killed my wife. I beat her with hammer in head. Three times. Maybe four times."
A short time later, Gardaí kicked in the door of their home in Mulhuddart and found Joanna's bloodied body.
Mr Benko admits beating his wife but denies trying to kill her.
