News

Piotr Krowka murder: Police believe youth suspect was part of gang calling themselves 'Magheramafia'

The body of Piotr Krowka was found at a disused church property in Maghera in April
The body of Piotr Krowka was found at a disused church property in Maghera in April The body of Piotr Krowka was found at a disused church property in Maghera in April

POLICE believe two suspected teenage members of a gang calling themselves the “Magheramafia” murdered a defenceless, vulnerable man whose battered body was discovered in a derelict parochial house in Co Derry.

The body of Piotr Krowka (36) a Polish national, was found on Maghera's Glen Road in April.

The disclosure was made as one of two accused males applied for bail at Dungannon Youth Court.

Last week Adrian Kozack (18), from Craigmore Heights, Maghera, and a youth who cannot be identified due to his age were remanded in custody after being charged with murder.

Lawyers for the pair advised that bail would be sought at a later date.

The youth appeared by video-link today seeking bail, which police said they were strongly opposed to.

His parents sat quietly in the public gallery, crying throughout the hearing.

A detective inspector told the court the victim was well-known in Maghera as he was the only homeless person in the area.

He had been living rough since Christmas and was last seen alive at around 9pm on March 31, when he was followed by a person, believed to be Kozack, and some sort of scuffle or confrontation occurred.

  • Video: CCTV captures final sightings of murder victim Piotr Krowka

Kozack ran off and sought assistance from others congregating in the area, one of whom is believed to the youth.

What occurred next was described by the detective as “a sustained, violent, assault causing the victim’s death. It was an unprovoked, brutal and relentless attack lasting up to 45 minutes”.

Police discovered Mr Krowka’s body on the afternoon of April 3, and a post mortem examination was conducted.

Police at the property on Glen Road in Maghera where Mr Krowka was found
Police at the property on Glen Road in Maghera where Mr Krowka was found Police at the property on Glen Road in Maghera where Mr Krowka was found

This revealed he suffered a violent death, caused by “blunt force trauma” to his head, chest, abdomen and left arm. There was also evidence a sharp weapon was used and pressure applied to his neck.

The youth was described as a suspected member of gang calling themselves the “Magheramafia” who have been terrorising the community with anti-social behaviour for some time.

The detective said: "Whilst it is accepted the accused is a youth, police believe the public require to be protected from him.

"There are also concerns of attempts to interfere with witnesses to withdraw or change their statements."

The court heard the youth's parents asked police if they could take him away for a short break during the summer and when this was declined, accepted the decision without question.

A defence lawyer said his client’s age "puts him in favour of bail and I submit there is little cause for concern, although it is agreed the allegation is extremely grave. (The youth) has adhered to bail terms perfectly from the outset and any concerns can be adequately dealt with by appropriate conditions.”

After a short recess to consider the evidence District Judge John Meehan ruled bail could be granted, with very strict terms.

The youth must reside with his parents, observe a curfew from 9pm to 7am, refrain from entering a number of specified areas, have no contact with any witnesses, surrender his passport, be electronically tagged, refrain from drugs and alcohol and sign daily with police.

There is also to be a £1,000 surety.

The case will be mentioned again next month.