Jozef Puska has failed in his attempt to have his life sentence for the murder of Ashling Murphy commence from the date of his arrest in January 2022, rather than the date of the trial jury's verdict in November 2023. Puska's legal team argued that the judge did not provide a valid reason for not backdating the sentence. However, the trial judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, stated that the backdate was academic and that the parole board would consider the time served in custody, not the date of arrest. The Court of Appeal upheld the judge's decision, noting that the judge had considered the seriousness of the case and the impact on the victim's family. The appeal was dismissed, and Puska remains in custody.
Lawyers representing Jozef Puska, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, have told the court that the scope of his conviction appeal may change. Puska's appeal was originally due to be heard on April 23, but was vacated after his barristers withdrew from the case. Senior Counsel John Berry confirmed he would represent Puska, and the Court of Appeal set a new hearing date of July 15. During a case management hearing, Mr Berry indicated that an instruction received in the last two days may change the scope of the appeal. The matter was adjourned to July 10. Puska, who had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, was found by the jury to have stabbed her 11 times in the neck and slashed her once with a blade. A monument now stands where she died. Puska was placed at the scene by the presence of his distinctive green and black bicycle, which was captured on CCTV. His DNA was found on the bike and under Ms Murphy's fingernails.
An appeal brought by Jozef Puska against his conviction for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy has been rescheduled for July. Puska is serving a life sentence for stabbing Ms Murphy 11 times in the neck and slashing her once with a blade in January 2022. The appeal was delayed after Puska changed his barristers shortly before the original hearing date. The new date for the appeal was set for July 15, with a case management hearing scheduled for May 15. Puska, who was identified by CCTV footage and DNA evidence, had pleaded not guilty to the murder. The court heard that Puska's DNA was found on the murder weapon and under Ms Murphy's fingernails, indicating she had fought back. The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal, with the judge noting the need for an early hearing date.
Jozef Puska's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy has been adjourned after he changed legal representation less than a week before the scheduled hearing. Puska, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12, 2022, was convicted and is serving a life sentence. His counsel informed the Court of Appeal that Puska instructed his solicitor to engage new senior counsel, necessitating a withdrawal from the case. The DPP's counsel expressed concern over the delay, noting the family's anxiety to proceed. Ms Justice Kennedy vacated the April 23 hearing date and listed the matter for April 24 to determine the earliest possible future date. Separately, in June 2025, Puska's brothers Marek and Lubomir were convicted of withholding information and sentenced to 30 months each. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina, were sentenced to 24 and 21 months respectively for burning evidence. Puska's partner, Lucia Istokova, pleaded guilty to withholding information and received a 20-month sentence. All five individuals were living with Puska at the time of the 2022 offences.
The Court of Appeal has granted the State additional time to file its response to Jozef Puska's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Aishling Murphy. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy extended the deadline for the Director of Public Prosecutions to submit replying submissions to April 14, maintaining the scheduled hearing dates of April 23 and 24. The extension was necessitated by a delay in Puska's legal team filing their extensive submissions, which were due in January but received in early March. The judge also granted an application for a Slovakian interpreter. Puska, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy in Tullamore, Co Offaly, in January 2022, is serving a life sentence. His appeal challenges the admission of his confession and CCTV footage. Separately, in June 2025, his brothers Marek and Lubomir Puska were convicted of withholding information and sentenced to 30 months each. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina, were sentenced to 24 and 21 months respectively for burning evidence. Lucia Istokova, Puska's partner, pleaded guilty to withholding information and received a 20-month sentence.
Court of Appeal President Ms Justice Caroline Costello has fixed a hearing date for Jozef Puska's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy. The appeal is scheduled for April 23 and 24, 2026. Puska, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022, was convicted by a jury and is serving a life sentence. His legal team indicated that submissions are advanced but await two relevant Court of Appeal judgments. Ms Justice Costello noted that waiting indefinitely was not viable and set the date to progress the listing of cases. The appeal is expected to last two days. Puska has been granted legal aid for the appeal. In related matters, his brothers Marek and Lubomir Puska were each sentenced to 30 months in prison for withholding information. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina, received sentences of 24 and 21 months respectively for burning evidence. Additionally, Puska's partner, Lucia Istokova, pleaded guilty to withholding information and was sentenced to 20 months. These sentences were handed down earlier this year, prior to the start of the relatives' trial.
Five members of Jozef Puska's family were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for withholding or destroying evidence of the murder of Ashling Murphy. Puska's brothers Marek (36) and Lubomir (37) received 30‑month prison terms each. Lubomir's wife Viera Gaziova (40) was sentenced to 30 months, and Marek's wife Jozefina Grundzova (27 months) with the last six months suspended. Puska's partner and mother of his children, Lucia Istokova (36), received a 26‑month sentence, also with the final six months suspended. The judge, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, cited psychological reports on Roma women's roles to justify the suspensions. The sentences reflect the defendants' collective decision to conceal information and destroy evidence, including burning clothes that may have contained forensic evidence. The court noted that the offences were committed to protect a family member rather than for personal gain. Viera Gaziova pleaded not guilty. Lucia Istokova pleaded not guilty.
Ms Justice Caroline Biggs adjourned the sentencing of five defendants to October 22, warning them to prepare for the real risk of imprisonment. Lucia Istokova, who pleaded guilty to withholding information regarding the murder of Ashling Murphy, faces a maximum five-year sentence. Her counsel requested a fully suspended sentence, citing her motivation to protect her children, though the judge noted a probation report stating she initially denied wrongdoing to avoid prison. Prosecution counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC confirmed Istokova, along with Marek Puska and Lubomir Puska, faces a maximum five-year penalty for withholding information. The other three defendants, including Jozefina Grundzova and Viera Gaziova, who pleaded not guilty to burning clothes to impede prosecution, face a maximum ten-year sentence. Counsel for the not-guilty defendants highlighted the impact of imprisoning six parents with 14 children and difficulties faced by foreigners in Irish prisons. The court will also hear statements from the Murphy family on the adjournment date. Jozef Puska, convicted of murder, is serving a life sentence.
The Central Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of four family members convicted in connection with the murder of Ashling Murphy to October 7. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs set the date after hearing that the defendants accept the jury's verdict and will not appeal their convictions. Lubomir Puska Jnr and Marek Puska, who pleaded not guilty, were found guilty of withholding crucial information from gardai. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova, also pleaded not guilty and were convicted of burning bloodstained clothes to impede the prosecution. Lucia Istokova, Jozef Puska's wife, pleaded guilty to withholding information. Counsel for the appellants confirmed their clients now accept the verdicts and have engaged with Probation Services. Ms Justice Biggs extended legal aid to facilitate the preparation of psychological reports, noting she could handle sentencing in one stage or two. She opted for a single date to ensure all probation and psychological reports are available. The matter was adjourned to October 7 for sentence, where the court hopes to have all necessary reports in hand. Jozef Puska, who murdered Ms Murphy in January 2022, is serving a life sentence. The four family members were living with him and their children in Co Offaly at the time of the offences.
Lucia Istokova, 36, pleaded guilty at trial to withholding information from gardai investigating the murder of Ashling Murphy. The single charge alleged that on January 14, 2022, Istokova failed without reasonable excuse to disclose to An Garda Síochána that Jozef Puska had visible injuries when he returned to their home in Tullamore, Co Offaly. The charge further alleged she failed to tell gardai that Puska admitted to killing or seriously injuring a female with a knife, or that he owned a bicycle found near Ms Murphy's body. It was alleged Istokova knew or believed this information might assist in securing Puska's apprehension or conviction for an offence involving loss of human life or serious personal injury. During a 12-day pre-trial hearing, Istokova had challenged the admissibility of her statements to gardai. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs ruled the statements could be used as evidence for a jury. Following this ruling, Istokova entered her guilty plea. Her co-accused, Jozefina Grundzova, 32, also sought to exclude evidence of two interviews she had with gardai but opted for a trial by jury after the admissibility ruling. Ms Justice Biggs ordered that Istokova's plea could not be reported until verdicts were reached in respect of the other four defendants to protect their fair trial rights. Istokova was released on continuing bail following the plea. Her co-accused were also on bail throughout the trial.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury convicted Jozef Puska's brothers, Lubomir Puska Jnr and Marek Puska, of withholding information from An Garda Síochána regarding the murder of Ashling Murphy. The brothers were found guilty of failing to disclose that Jozef Puska returned home on the night of January 12, 2022, with visible injuries and admitted to cutting a female with a knife. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova, were convicted of burning Jozef's bloodstained clothes to impede his prosecution. Gaziova was convicted by an 11-1 majority, while Grundzova was found guilty by a 10-2 majority. All four defendants had pleaded not guilty. Jozef Puska's wife, Lucia Istokova, had previously pleaded guilty to withholding information. Ms Justice Biggs ordered probation reports for all five defendants. The matter was adjourned to July 7 for sentencing, with the defendants remanded on continuing bail until that date. Jozef Puska is currently serving a life sentence for the murder, having been convicted in November 2023.
A jury of twelve, comprising seven men and five women, will return to the Central Criminal Court tomorrow to continue deliberating on the verdicts in the trial of family members of Jozef Puska. The trial concerns charges of obstructing the arrest of Puska, who murdered school teacher Ashling Murphy in January 2022. The jury began deliberations last Wednesday and has spent 10 hours and five minutes in the jury room. Judge Caroline Biggs announced that the jurors would be dismissed for the day after a request to cease deliberations on Monday. The jurors will resume at 11.30am tomorrow. The accused—Lubomir Puska Jnr (38), Marek Puska (36), Viera Gaziova (40) and Jozefina Grundzova (32)—all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case remains at the deliberation stage.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, jurors paused their deliberations over the weekend. The case concerns family members of Jozef Puska, who murdered school teacher Ashling Murphy in January 2022 and is serving a life sentence. The accused—Lubomir Puska Jnr (38), Marek Puska (36), and their wives Viera Gaziova (40) and Jozefina Grundzova (32)—are charged with withholding information from gardai and impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef by burning his clothes. All pleaded not guilty. The jury asked the judge whether the accused needed to know their actions were unlawful to be guilty, and whether protecting the family could be a reasonable excuse. Justice Caroline Biggs explained that preventing Jozef's apprehension or prosecution cannot be a reasonable excuse, though self‑incrimination may be. She advised the jury to consider evidence beyond witness statements but warned against speculation.
In a Central Criminal Court case, a jury will continue deliberating on the trial of four Puska family members charged with obstructing the arrest of Jozef Puska, who murdered school teacher Ashling Murphy. Jozef, convicted of murder and serving a life sentence, was stabbed and slashed by Jozef on January 12, 2022. His brothers, Lubomir Puska Jnr (38) and Marek Puska (36), face charges of withholding information, while their wives, Viera Gaziova (40) and Jozefina Grundzova (32), are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution by burning Jozef's clothes. All accused pleaded not guilty. The indictment was amended to specify that the brothers knew Jozef had committed the murder or another arrestable offence. Prosecutor Anne Marie Lawlor SC argued that the brothers failed to disclose vital information, while defence counsel Karl Finnegan SC highlighted the right to remain silent to avoid self‑incrimination. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, will resume deliberations tomorrow.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Judge Caroline Biggs instructed a jury to assess whether the brothers of Jozef Puska, charged with withholding information about the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, had a reasonable excuse rooted in fear of self‑incrimination. The judge clarified that protecting a family member is not a valid excuse, but the jury must consider if the brothers, Lubomir Jnr (38) and Marek (36), genuinely feared that providing information would implicate them. Puska, who stabbed Murphy to death on 12 January 2022, is serving a life sentence. The brothers and their wives, Viera Gaziova (40) and Jozefina Grundzova (32), are charged with withholding information and burning Puska's clothes to impede his apprehension. All accused pleaded not guilty. The judge emphasized that the prosecution must prove the brothers had no reasonable excuse for failing to disclose the information, and the jury must decide if the fear of self‑incrimination was present.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Marek Puska, Lubomir Puska Jnr, Jozefina Grundzova, and Viera Gaziova is ongoing, with the judge's charge to the jury currently underway. All four accused, who have pleaded not guilty to all charges, are alleged to have been involved in the aftermath of the murder of Ashling Murphy by Jozef Puska in January 2022. Marek Puska and Lubomir Puska Jnr are accused of withholding information relating to the murder, while Ms Grundzova and Ms Gaziova are accused of impeding Jozef Puska's apprehension or prosecution by burning his clothes. Defence counsel argued that the women did not believe Jozef Puska was capable of murder and acted on second-hand information without knowledge of the crime. Counsel for Lubomir Puska Jnr contended that he delayed reporting information due to family loyalty but ultimately cooperated with gardai. The prosecution maintains that all accused knew of the murder shortly after it occurred and acted to prevent Jozef Puska's prosecution. The matter is not concluded; the judge's charge is in progress and will continue tomorrow.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel Karl Finnegan SC argued that Marek Puska (36), Jozef Puska's brother, had a reasonable excuse for withholding information from gardai after the murder of Ashling Murphy. Finnegan said Marek was protecting himself, fearing that his statements could implicate him in assisting his brother. He noted that Marek had not believed Jozef had stabbed Murphy when he spoke to investigators two days after the crime. Prosecutor Anne Marie Lawlor SC countered that Marek knew Jozef's confession shortly after 9.30 pm on the night of the murder and, along with brother Lubomir Jnr (38), failed to disclose vital information. Lawlor also accused Jozefina Grundzova (32) and Viera Gaziova (40) of burning Jozef's clothes to impede his arrest, a charge they admit. All accused pleaded not guilty. Jozef Puska was convicted of murdering 23‑year‑old Ashling Murphy and is serving a life sentence.
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Jozefina Grundzova, Marek Puska, Viera Gaziova, and Lubomir Puska Jnr continued. All four accused, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, are alleged to have impeded the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska, who was previously convicted of murdering Ashling Murphy in January 2022. Grundzova and Gaziova face charges of assisting in burning clothes, including a bloodstained t-shirt, while Marek Puska and Lubomir Puska Jnr are charged with withholding information from detectives. Evidence presented by Detective Garda James Duffy indicated that Grundzova told gardaí that Gaziova received a phone call instructing her to burn specific items. Grundzova stated she observed blood on the lower half of a t-shirt and that she herself threw socks into the fire. The court heard that the accused were living with Jozef Puska and his family in Co Offaly at the time. Presiding Judge Caroline Biggs adjourned the proceedings, informing the jury that they would not be required again until the trial resumes on June 9th.
The trial of Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Both women, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, are accused of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska by burning clothes he allegedly wore on the day he murdered Ashling Murphy. Gaziova testified that she destroyed the garments after her husband, Lubomir Puska Jnr, conveyed a request from Puska to ensure the clothes were burnt. She described building a fire in the living room, burning the items until only ash remained, and disposing of the residue down the kitchen sink. Gaziova stated she initially omitted this detail from her statement to gardai because she feared the family would turn against her and she would end up on the street. She recounted that the household became concerned when Puska did not return home, and he later arrived soaked and shaking. Gaziova claimed Lubomir and Marek Puska spoke with Puska in his bedroom, after which Lubomir told her Puska had confessed to killing a girl. She noted that only she, Lubomir, Marek, and Grundzova knew of this alleged confession at the time. The court heard that all accused were living together in Co Offaly when the offences are alleged to have occurred in January 2022. The trial is ongoing.
In the Central Criminal Court, Lubomir Puska Jnr, aged 37, denied that he had asked anyone to dispose of the knife used to murder school teacher Ashling Murphy or to dispose of his brother Jozef's clothes on the day of the murder. He also denied that he had asked anyone to dispose of the clothes. The court heard that Jozef Puska, aged 35, attacked Ms Murphy, aged 23, on the canal towpath at Cappincur in Tullamore on 12 January 2022, killing her with 12 sharp force injuries, 11 of which were stab wounds. Lubomir Jnr had made two statements to Gardaí, first on 18 January 2022 and again on 26 January 2022, in which he described Jozef's condition and alleged that Jozef had tried to explain his actions. He also denied that he had asked anyone to dispose of the knife or the clothes. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Lubomir Puska Junior, aged 38, admitted to lying to Gardaí about his brother Jozef Puska's whereabouts on the day of Ashling Murphy's murder. He first claimed Jozef had been "a bit sad" and left the house in the early afternoon, but later apologized and revealed he had seen Jozef again after 9 pm, describing him as looking beaten and with lacerations. The court heard that Jozef, who was convicted of murdering 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022, had been living with Lubomir and another brother Marek at Lynally Grove. Lubomir and Marek are accused of withholding crucial information, while Jozefina Grundzova and Viera Gaziova are accused of impeding the investigation by burning clothes. All accused plead not guilty. The trial is before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of seven men and five women.
The trial of five accused persons in Tullamore, Co Offaly, continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Jozef Puska has been convicted of murdering Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old schoolteacher, in January 2022. His brother, Marek Puska (36), and Lubomir Puska Jnr (35), are accused of withholding information crucial to the investigation, charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988. Their wives, Jozefina Grundzova (31) and Viera Gaziova (38), are accused of impeding Jozef Puska's apprehension or prosecution by burning his clothes, charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997. All five defendants, who reside at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, have pleaded not guilty. The court heard that Marek Puska alleged his brother unintentionally "cut" a woman and described the incident as "probably bad." It is alleged that Marek and Lubomir failed to disclose that Jozef returned home with visible injuries and admitted to causing harm. The women are alleged to have burned clothing between January 12 and 14 to impede justice. The trial is ongoing, with no sentencing or finalisation recorded for the current accused.
The trial of four accused persons in connection with the murder of Ashling Murphy continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Marek Puska (36) and Lubomir Puska Jnr (35) are accused of withholding information under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988, while their wives, Jozefina Grundzova (31) and Viera Gaziova (38), are accused of impeding Jozef Puska's apprehension by burning his clothing under the Criminal Law Act 1997. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty. During testimony, Detective Garda Cian Steers detailed Marek Puska's voluntary statement from January 14, 2022, in which he described the family's living situation and his search for Jozef Puska on the day of the murder. Marek stated he wished to provide further information but was hindered by medication for back problems. In cross-examination, it was noted that Marek accurately identified Jozef's bicycle. Garda Joanne O'Sullivan testified that Marek later revealed Jozef returned home on the night of the murder with visible injuries, including holes in his abdomen, and admitted to causing harm to a woman. It is alleged that Marek and Lubomir withheld this information, while the women assisted in destroying evidence. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues on Monday.
The trial of four accused persons regarding the murder of Ashling Murphy continues before the Central Criminal Court. Jozefina Grundzova and Viera Gaziova, who have pleaded not guilty to charges under the Criminal Law Act 1997, are alleged to have assisted in burning clothing to impede the prosecution of Jozef Puska. Marek Puska and Lubomir Puska Jnr, also pleading not guilty, face charges under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988 and the Criminal Law Act 1997 for allegedly withholding information about Puska's return home with injuries and his subsequent travel to Dublin. Evidence presented includes testimony from Detective Sergeant Anthony Quinn, who described sifting fireplace ashes at the family home in Mucklagh, Co Offaly, for forensic evidence of burned clothing, though nothing of note was found. Witness Jenna Stack testified to seeing Murphy struggling with a man near Cappincur Bridge on January 12, 2022, describing her as "kicking out really hard" while the man appeared angry at being interrupted. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised; it remains ongoing before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the prosecution explained that Jozef Puska's sisters‑in‑law, Jozefina Grundzova (31) and Viera Gaziova (38), burned the clothes he wore when he murdered 23‑year‑old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022. The prosecution's barrister, Sean Gillane SC, noted that the brothers Lubomir Puska Jnr (35) and Marek Puska (34) had given voluntary interviews to Gardaí two days after the murder but allegedly misled investigators by withholding information about Puska's return home with visible injuries and his admission of killing or seriously injuring a woman. The brothers are charged with withholding information under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988, while the sisters‑in‑law are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997 for assisting in burning the clothing to impede Puska's arrest or prosecution. The trial is before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of twelve. Lubomir Puska Jnr pleaded not guilty. Marek Puska pleaded not guilty. Jozefina Grundzova pleaded not guilty. Viera Gaziova pleaded not guilty.
The trial has commenced at the Central Criminal Court for four individuals accused of impeding the investigation into the murder of Ashling Murphy. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs swore a jury to hear the case, which is expected to last up to five weeks. The defendants are Jozef Puska's brothers, Marek and Lubomir Puska, and their respective wives, Jozefina Grundzova and Viera Gaziova. All four have pleaded not guilty. The brothers are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988 with withholding information. It is alleged they failed to tell An Garda Síochána that Jozef Puska returned home to Mucklagh on the night of January 12, 2022, with visible injuries and admitted to "cutting" a female with a knife. They are also alleged to have known he travelled to Dublin that night. Marek Puska is further alleged to have been aware of an arrangement to burn clothing worn by Jozef Puska. The women are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997 with assisting in burning clothing between January 12 and 14, intending to impede the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska. The prosecution alleges the defendants knew or believed the withheld information or actions might assist in securing the conviction of Jozef Puska for a serious offence. Jozef Puska was previously tried and convicted of Ms Murphy's murder. The trial will begin with an opening statement by the prosecution.
A High Court judge sentenced Ronan O'Grady, 33, to two years' imprisonment for eight counts of sexual assault against his niece, Keely O'Grady, aged six to nine between 2004 and 2008. O'Grady, who was 13 to 17 at the time, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court. The judge noted the defendant's lack of remorse, his "talented" and "well‑educated" background, and the continued support he received from his family, which the court said had disrupted the victim's family relationships. Keely, now 26, gave a victim impact statement describing long‑term trauma, depression, anxiety and self‑harm, and criticised her grandparents for protecting him. The judge reduced the headline sentence from an initial eight years to two years, citing O'Grady's youth, lack of prior convictions, guilty pleas and low re‑offending risk, and did not suspend any part of the sentence. The sentence was back‑dated to the day he entered custody.
Jozef Puska, aged 33, has been granted legal aid to appeal his conviction for the murder of school teacher Ashling Murphy. The Court of Appeal approved legal aid for all 20 applications presented that morning, and Puska will receive the same representation he had at the Central Criminal Court: a solicitor, senior counsel and two junior counsel. His trial concluded with a unanimous jury verdict after he was found to have stabbed Ms Murphy eleven times in the neck and slashed her once with a blade, leaving her to die in the thorns beside the canal towpath. Puska's defence argued that his confession to the Gardaí, made two days after the stabbing while he was under the influence of oxycodone and recovering from abdominal surgery, was involuntary, and objected to the prosecution's use of CCTV footage showing him stalking two women in Tullamore town centre before heading to the canal. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty. Ashling Murphy pleaded not guilty.
A trial date has been set for the wife and brothers of Jozef Puska, who is currently serving a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022. The wife of Jozef Puska, Lucia Istokova, and his brothers Marek Puska and Lubomir Puska are accused of failing to disclose information to gardaí between January 12, 2022, and January 27, 2022, at Tullamore Garda Station. Jozefina Grundzova and Viera Gaziova are accused of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a person. The trial, which is expected to last up to four weeks, is scheduled for April 28, 2025, and will be heard together. Free legal aid for senior and junior counsel was granted to all five defendants, who were not required to attend the court. The matter was adjourned by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor to a case management list in June. Jozef Puska had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, but an unanimous jury found him guilty after just two hours of deliberation.
In a courtroom in Dublin, Ryan Casey, the boyfriend of the 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy, delivered a tearful statement after the jury convicted Jozef Puska of murder. Casey described his love for Murphy, their plans to marry and start a family, and the loss he feels. He accused Puska of showing no remorse and called him "the lowest of the low." The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, imposed a mandatory life sentence, noting the seriousness of the crime and the possibility of a whole‑life order. Puska, 33, was found guilty of stabbing Murphy eleven times and slashing her once before leaving her to die near a canal in Tullamore. He will be eligible for parole after 12 years. Casey's statement focused on the personal grief and the impact of Murphy's death on his life.
Jozef Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, has been sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment for the murder of 23-year-old school teacher Ashling Murphy. The sentence was handed down by Mr Justice Tony Hunt following a jury conviction. Puska had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022. The jury found him guilty after rejecting his claim that he was attacked by a masked man. Evidence placed him at the scene via his bicycle, CCTV footage, and DNA found on the bike and under Ms Murphy's fingernails. Mr Justice Hunt stated that the sentence was "richly deserved" and lamented his lack of power to impose a minimum term, noting that a whole life term would have been considered if he had such authority. He emphasized that the motive remains unknown. During the hearing, victim impact statements were read from Ms Murphy's sister, mother, and boyfriend, Ryan Casey, who described Puska as showing zero remorse. The court noted that no connection existed between the defendant and the victim, despite online rumors. Puska was led away by prison officers after the sentencing.
Jozef Puska, aged 33, was found guilty of murdering 23‑year‑old school teacher Ashling Murphy by stabbing her 11 times in the neck on 12 January 2022. The Central Criminal Court jury delivered a unanimous verdict after two hours of deliberation. Puska, who had pleaded not guilty, was taken to prison by officers as the verdict was announced. He will be sentenced to life imprisonment on 17 November. The jury's decision was praised by the Murphy family, who attended every day of the trial. Evidence presented included CCTV footage of Puska's bicycle near the scene, DNA on the bike and under Murphy's fingernails, and his fingerprints. Puska's defence claimed he was attacked by a masked man, a claim rejected by the jury. No motive was offered. The sentencing date was set for 17 November.
In the trial of Jozef Puska, the prosecution presented evidence that Puska stalked and murdered Ashling Murphy on the Grand Canal towpath on 13 January. Puska allegedly dragged Murphy into briars, stabbed her 11 times in the neck and slashed her once, causing fatal blood loss. Witnesses, including teacher Jenna Stack, described seeing a man crouched over Murphy, holding her down, and Puska's DNA was found under Murphy's fingernails. Puska was arrested in Tullamore, questioned in hospital, and during the trial he repeatedly denied involvement, later claiming he had been stabbed elsewhere and that he had confessed to the murder. The court heard conflicting statements and the prosecution urged the jury to reject Puska's lies and convict him of murder.
The jury for the 17‑day trial of Jozef Puska, accused of murdering 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy, began deliberations after a 25‑minute session. Judge Tony Hunt reminded jurors that a unanimous verdict is required and urged them to base their decision solely on the evidence heard. He explained that if they are not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of Puska's guilt, they must acquit, and if they are satisfied, they must convict. The judge highlighted the prosecution's case that Puska stabbed Murphy repeatedly, and noted Puska's own testimony that he was attacked by an unknown man who then stabbed Murphy. He also discussed the alleged confession Puska made in hospital, the reliability of that statement, and the DNA evidence linking Puska to the victim. The jury will receive transcripts of Puska's testimony, witness statements, and expert evidence before returning tomorrow for further deliberation. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt addressed a jury hearing the trial of Jozef Puska, who denies murdering 23‑year‑old school teacher Ashling Murphy. The judge reiterated the legal principles and guided the jury through the evidence presented, including an alleged confession by Puska, DNA found under Murphy's fingernails, interview evidence from Gardaí after his arrest, and eye‑witness testimony at the scene. Puska, 33, has pleaded not guilty to the murder that occurred on 12 January 2022 in Cappincur, Tullamore. The defence has questioned the reliability of Puska's alleged confession, recorded on 14 January when he was in St James's Hospital. The judge noted that while the words spoken were recorded, the defence raised concerns about their truth, accuracy and reliability, citing an expert who suggested Puska may have been confused or experiencing "subtle delirium" due to surgery, pain relief medication, the unfamiliar hospital environment and a language barrier.
In her closing speech to the jury, Anne-Marie Lawlor SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions described Jozef Puska as an 'inveterate liar' and said that his account of trying to save Ashling Murphy was a 'structure of lies and mistruths' that were 'foul and contemptible in their nature'. She pointed to evidence, including DNA found under Ms Murphy's fingernails and Mr Puska's admission to gardai that he killed her, to argue that the only rational conclusion is that he murdered her. Mr Puska's defence, led by Michael Bowman SC, urged the jury to be cautious in interpreting the evidence and suggested that the alleged confession made by Mr Puska may not be reliable due to medical factors. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented by both sides. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of Jozef Puska, who denies murdering 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy, the defence has finished its evidence. Dr Johann Grundlingh, an accident and emergency specialist, testified that Puska's alleged confession may have been unreliable because he was in a post‑operative state, receiving opioid painkillers, and possibly experiencing subtle delirium. He also raised concerns about language barriers and the unfamiliar hospital environment. Dr Grundlingh noted that no formal assessment of Puska's fitness to be interviewed was carried out. Judge Tony Hunt told the jury that they would hear the prosecution's closing speech on Tuesday, followed by the defence and the judge's charge, and that the case would be handed over to the jury on Wednesday afternoon. Puska, aged 33, remains not guilty of the murder of Ms Murphy, which occurred on 12 January 2022 in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women.
Jozef Puska, aged 33, gave evidence at the Ashling Murphy trial claiming he was a witness to her murder. He testified that he was stabbed three times by the same attacker who killed the 23‑year‑old teacher. Puska described being pushed off his bike, stabbed in the stomach, and later seeing the attacker assault a woman before fleeing. He said he tried to help Murphy, using her shawl to cover injuries, but left after a few moments. Puska admitted lying to Gardaí about being stabbed in Blanchardstown and apologized, citing fear for his family. He denied confessing to murder in St James's Hospital and said he could not recall such admissions. The trial continues with further witnesses to be called. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
Jozef Puska, aged 33, took the stand in his own defence at the Ashling Murphy murder trial. He denied any intent to harm the 23‑year‑old teacher, stating he had "no bad intention whatsoever" when he was cycling behind Annemarie Kelly, a witness who claimed Puska was following her. Puska explained that he had left his home in Mucklagh at 11:30 a.m. on a push bike, travelled to Tullamore, and moved around the town, looking for his brother. He described the bike he rode—a black Falcon Storm push bike with a green needle—as the one found near the murder site. Puska also said he would not comment on questions about his DNA found under Murphy's fingernails or his presence at the scene, after being interviewed by Gardaí under the Criminal Justice Act 1984. The prosecution closed its case, and Puska's testimony will continue tomorrow. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
During a trial for the murder of school teacher Ashling Murphy, the accused, Jozef Puska, told Gardaí that he had never seen her. He repeated this denial when questioned by detectives six days after the stabbing. Puska, 33, had earlier admitted to the murder in a hospital bed, stating "I did it, I murdered, I am the murderer" and that he had "cut" Murphy. He has pleaded not guilty. Garda detectives interviewed him five times over two days following his arrest on suspicion of the murder. In the current hearing, the prosecution presented an email from a different individual claiming responsibility for the murder, but Gardaí found no link to Puska. The trial proceeds before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Dr Lorna Flanagan presented DNA evidence linking Jozef Puska to Ashling Murphy's murder. Swabs taken from under Murphy's fingernails yielded a Y‑chromosome profile that matched the Y‑STR profile from Puska's blood and swabs collected when he was in custody at Tullamore Garda Station on 18 January. The probability of an unrelated match was estimated at about one in 14,000. Puska, aged 33, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Murphy, who was killed on 12 January 2022 in Cappincur, Tullamore. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of nine men and three women. The court has not yet reached a verdict.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Jozef Puska, an interpreter, Miroslav Sedlacek, testified that Puska was emotional and spoke with a trembling voice after confessing to the murder of Ashling Murphy. Sedlacek described the conversation that took place on the evening of 14 January 2022, two days after Murphy was stabbed near the Grand Canal in Tullamore. Puska admitted to the killing, stating he did not intend it and expressed remorse. He also asked about the safety of his family and whether Murphy's relatives would seek revenge. The interpreter noted that Puska's voice changed during the interview, becoming more disjointed and low‑spirited. The testimony was cross‑examined by defence counsel, who confirmed that the interpreter had described the police interaction as an interview rather than interrogation. The trial continues before a jury. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
During the Ashling Murphy murder trial, Garda Detective Sergeant Brian Jennings recorded that accused Jozef Puska admitted he committed the murder, saying "I did it, I murdered, I am the murderer" and expressed regret, stating "I feel guilty and I say I regret it." Puska, aged 33, was a person of interest and had been questioned at St James's Hospital after the victim's death on 12 January 2022. He claimed he had been attacked by two men in Blanchardstown, sustaining stomach injuries, and that he had no memory of the murder. Puska also said he had been planning to meet a woman in Dublin and that he had been told he was a suspect. The trial has not yet reached a verdict. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Jozef Puska, 33, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Ashling Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022, continued before Mr Justice Tony Hunt. Prosecution evidence included Fitbit data from Ms Murphy's watch, which recorded erratic or violent movements at 3.21pm before her heart rate ceased. Witness Rostislav Pokuta testified that Puska visited his home around 9pm on the night of the alleged incident, appearing wet, frightened, and covered in scratches. Pokuta stated he initially withheld this information from gardai due to fear for his family's safety amid an "ugly atmosphere" in Tullamore, but later reported the meeting. Puska was driven to Mucklagh and identified on CCTV. Defence counsel suggested Puska had suffered stab wounds to his stomach. Det Gda Ciaran Byrne presented the Fitbit data, while Det Sgt Paul McDonnell described interviewing Puska at St James's Hospital, where Puska alleged he was stabbed in Blanchardstown by two men. The trial is ongoing.
In the trial of Jozef Puska, a 33‑year‑old accused of murdering 23‑year‑old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, Annemarie Kelly testified that she felt uncomfortable when Puska cycled behind her very slowly and stared at her. She described the stare as intimidating and noted his physical appearance: about five feet seven or eight inches tall, slim build, shaved head, black stubble, dark eyebrows, sallow skin and dark eyes. Kelly said she tried to avoid him by walking fast, jogging past him, and eventually crossing a canal bridge to escape. She also reported contacting gardai after the incident. Puska denies the murder charge. The trial is before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of nine men and three women. The case remains at the trial stage.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Ashling Murphy died before paramedics could attempt resuscitation after she was found with 12 sharp force wounds to her neck in the undergrowth by the Grand Canal in Tullamore. CCTV footage showed a garda believing he could see the accused, Jozef Puska, moving in the same direction as two women, reaching into his pockets and appearing to have something in his hand before returning it to his pocket. The prosecution presented footage of Ashling's movements from leaving work at Scoil Naomh Colmcille at 2.37 pm to arriving at the Daingean Road car park at 2.50 pm and walking to the towpath. Puska, aged 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Murphy on 12 January 2022. The trial continues next week before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Ashling Murphy died from 12 stab wounds to the right side of her neck, with injuries extending from under the right ear to above the collar bone. The wounds severed her voice box, damaged nerves controlling speech and swallowing, and damaged the carotid artery and jugular vein, causing severe blood loss and cardio‑respiratory arrest. Small defensive injuries were noted on her hands, suggesting she tried to protect herself. The pathologist stated no contributory factors and could not exclude strangulation, but no obvious signs were present. The case involves Jozef Puska, 33, who pleaded not guilty to her murder. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of twelve. The court heard police accounts of the discovery of Murphy's body in a ditch near Cappincur, Tullamore, and the subsequent resuscitation attempts that were ultimately abandoned.
The first Garda to arrive at the scene where schoolteacher Ashling Murphy was found unresponsive in undergrowth by the Grand Canal spent ten minutes performing chest compressions. Garda Tom Dunne, who was in a patrol car, arrived shortly after a distressed call and found Ms Murphy face‑up in a ditch five or six feet down a steep slope. She was wearing a navy jacket, a pair of blue runners and a pink woolly hat, and had blood in her hair and on the surrounding briars. Dunne undid her jacket and began CPR, checking for a pulse that he described as "very faint". He alternated chest compressions with a colleague because only one officer could work at a time. When paramedics arrived they moved Ms Murphy to the walkway but, finding no signs of life, they stopped treatment. Jozef Puska, 33, has pleaded not guilty to her murder.
In the trial of Jozef Puska, accused of murdering 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy, defence counsel Michael Bowman SC argued that Puska was attempting to help Murphy stop bleeding when a jogger arrived. Witness Jenna Stack testified that she saw Puska "trying to assist" Murphy, but she disagreed, describing him as aggressive, shouting "get away" and holding the girl down while she kicked her legs. Stack said Murphy was distressed and moving only her legs. She also noted Puska's foreign accent, shaved head and dark eyebrows. Bowman suggested Puska's shout was pain from a cut leg, not aggression, and that Murphy had reached for Puska's forearms to stop bleeding. Stack maintained she saw no weapon and that Puska could have asked for help. The case continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Jozef Puska, aged 33, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 23‑year‑old Ashling Murphy, who was stabbed 11 times on the right side of her neck near the Grand Canal in Tullamore on 12 January 2022. Prosecutor Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC presented evidence that Y‑STR DNA from under Murphy's fingernails matched Puska's DNA, that a bright green Falcon Storm mountain bike belonging to Puska was found beside the body, and that CCTV footage showed Puska cycling in the area hours before the killing. Puska was interviewed at St James's Hospital after being admitted with stab wounds he claimed were from an attack in Blanchardstown; he later admitted in the hospital to having murdered Murphy, saying "I did it, I murdered, I am the murderer." The jury will consider whether the evidence shows Puska intended to kill or cause serious injury. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.