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"I did caution him that if he continued to assault me, I would defend myself": woman on trial for murder to gardai

Date
2019-05-14
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Tipperary
County
Tipperary

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 48‑year‑old woman from Mountrath, Co. Laois, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016. The accused, Inga Ozolina, claimed that she had been repeatedly assaulted by Pukas, who had previously beaten her and had a history of violence. She said that a doctor had warned her that she might be killed if he attacked her again and advised her to keep a sharp object for self‑defence. Ozolina described her life as a "living hell," noting that she had a safety order against Pukas, had sought a second order, and had been in a women's shelter.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "I did caution him that if he continued to assault me, I would defend myself": woman on trial for murder to gardai. Charges or matters: murdering Audrius Pukas at The Malthouse, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, on November 20, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: "I could not see what I was taking because he was still pulling me by the hair and I was facing down. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 48-year-old

Accused

Charges: murdering Audrius Pukas at The Malthouse, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, on November 20, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: She explained that she had applied for a second safety order when the first one expired, but that her case was put back because the court list was so long. "Then, three weeks ago, when he broke the front door, I got very frightened.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence
Garda Station
  • had gone to the garda station
  • chased' to the garda station

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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