Belfast man Anthony Browne murdered by partner Wiktoria Maksymowicz died from stab wound to neck

A 54-year old man murdered by his partner in his west Belfast home died from a single stab wound to the neck, a court has heard.

As details concerning the October 2022 murder of Anthony Browne emerged for the first time, his killer Wiktoria Maksymowicz was told she will be sentenced for the fatal knife attack next Wednesday.

Belfast Crown Court heard that due to his level of intoxication on the evening of October 14, 2022, it was highly likely that Tony Browne was unconscious when he was stabbed and killed in the bedroom of his Poleglass home.

As Mr Browne's loved ones including his twin daughters sat in the public gallery of Court 13, Maksymowicz, 35, was brought into the dock in handcuffs.

She pleaded guilty last month to three offences 'aggravated by reason of involving domestic abuse' including murder and was handed a life sentence.

The Polish national, with an address at Woodside Park, pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Browne on October 14, 2022 and possessing cannabis on the same date.

She also admitted charges of possessing a knife on a Translink bus and assaulting Mr Browne the day before his murder, on October 13, 2022.

The minimum amount of time she will spend in custody before being considered eligible for release will be determined by Mr Justice O'Hara during next week's Tariff hearing.

Crown barrister Frank O'Donoghue KC told today's plea hearing that Mr Browne had been sober for around 10 years before meeting Maksymowicz.

The prosecutor said she began staying over at his Woodside Park bungalow, they entered into a relationship and after this Mr Browne's life "unfortunately and tragically descended from that point into alcohol and drug addiction, culminating in his murder."

He said that the day prior to the murder, the couple were on a bus on the Falls Road and at around 4pm, the driver observed them drinking vodka.

Believing the couple to be drunk, the couple were challenged and escorted off the bus.

CCTV was also viewed and which showed Maksymowicz was carrying a lock-knife that was found in her possession in the aftermath of the murder.

Some time between 5pm and 6pm that evening, a nephew of Mr Browne's called at his home. He noticed they were both drinking and in good form.

Mr O'Donoghue said: "While the three of them were drinking in the living room, the defendant went into the kitchen.

"When she came back into the living room, she had a silver dinner knife ... and she then stabbed the deceased just above his right knee."

This occurred whilst Mr Browne was sitting in a chair wearing boxer shorts and resulted in a puncture to his skin.

The prosecutor said Mr Brown's nephew was in "complete shock" and that Maksymowicz attacked her partner "out of nowhere."

The nephew also recalled his uncle "didn't really react" and that Maksymowicz cleaned up the wound then applied a bandage.

Mr O'Donoghue then turned to the following day and said that around 1.20pm on October 14, 2022, a neighbour called to Mr Browne's home and noticed the couple were drunk.

Just before 10pm that evening, a 999 call was made by Maksymowicz who said she required an ambulance.

Paramedics arrived at the bungalow at 10.10pm and discovered an unconscious male lying on the bedroom floor bleeding heavily from a wound to the right side of his neck.

Maksymowicz was also present and was in a distressed state, holding a tea towel to Mr Browne's neck.

CPR was attempted at the scene and he was conveyed to the A&E department at the Royal Victoria Hospital where a trauma team was waiting.

The ambulance arrived at the hospital at 10.30pm and despite efforts to resuscitate Mr Browne, his death was confirmed at 10.57pm.

Mr O'Donoghue said Maksymowicz was arrested at Woodside Park and whilst being taken to a police station, she said 'tell me that they will help him. Stupid vodka, f*** sake.'

She also said 'I tried to save him, I tried to protect him' and 'I did not kill him.'

The prosecutor told Mr Justice O'Hara that due to the levels of alcohol in his system, it was likely Mr Browne was unconscious when he was stabbed. He also said it was probable that he was dead before the ambulance arrived.

Mr O'Donoghue confirmed that the deceased died from a single stab wound to his neck - and as details of this were aired, Maksymowicz sat in the dock crying.

Defence barrister Gavan Duffy KC then addressed the senior judge and said Maksymowicz immediately accepted she was responsible for Mr Browne's death.

He said his client has expressed "regret and remorse for her actions and the consequences of her actions" and for the "pain and suffering" she has caused to Mr Browne's family and friends.

Confirming Maksymowicz grew up in Poland and came to Ireland aged 17, Mr Duffy said a traumatic event in her childhood had contributed to her issues with alcohol and that she started abusing both drink and drugs from around the age of 11.

Describing the stabbing of Mr Browne as "a spontaneous act in extreme drunkenness", Mr Duffy said that whilst in custody, Maksymowicz has taken steps to address her issues.

The defence barrister added that his client has a clear criminal record.

After listening to submissions from both the Crown and defence, Mr Justice O'Hara said he wanted time to reflect on what he heard and would impose the tariff next Wednesday (July 3rd).

As Maksymowicz was being led back into custody by prison staff, Mr Browne's loved ones held up a picture of him as his killer walked passed them.

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