Mother and son on trial over fatal stabbing

A woman who stabbed her partner in the chest with a kitchen knife has gone on trial accused of his murder.

Karol Likiera, 41, was pronounced dead after emergency crews were called to a ground floor flat in Algitha Road, Skegness, on the morning of 18 August 2025.

Sylwia Bukala, 43, admits stabbing Likiera but denies murder, claiming diminished responsibility because of her mental state, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

Her son, Alberto Bukala, 22, denies perverting the course of justice.

Opening the case for the prosecution, Sally Howes KC said: "Sylwia admits she stabbed Karol Likiera to death, however she does not accept that she is guilty of murder, but that she is guilty of manslaughter by virtue of diminished responsibility due to her psychiatric state at the time.

"That is not accepted by the prosecution."

Howes said the couple had a turbulent relationship involving alcohol and drug use, with allegations made by both sides.

The court heard paramedics found the victim's body in the living room after responding to an emergency call made by Alberto in which he claimed he had "just found my step-dad not breathing, stone cold".

Blood was also found on a sofa and on a kitchen knife left on a draining board, jurors were told.

Alberto later told police he had not seen Likiera when he returned home from work in the early hours of 18 August.

Howes told the court the fatal stabbing had "highly likely" occurred the previous day when neighbours reported hearing shouting and a loud thud.

A Home Office pathologist found Likiera died from a single stab wound to the upper chest which penetrated his heart, diaphragm and liver. Blood recovered from the knife matched his DNA.

The trial continues.

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