Courts / Laois / Report

Murder accused previously had bite on her nose, friend tells trial

Date
2019-05-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Mountrath

County
Laois

Summary

In the trial of Inga Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old mother of two, the defence presented evidence that she had arrived at a friend's house in a state of distress, with a bite on her nose, earlier in her relationship with the victim. Ozolina, originally from Latvia and residing in Old Court Church, Mountrath, claimed she was acting in self‑defence when she stabbed Audrius Pukas, a 40‑year‑old father of two, at The Malthouse, Roscrea, on 20 November 2016. The Central Criminal Court heard that Pukas died from a stab wound to his chest. Niamh Hyland, a friend of Ozolina for ten years, testified that Ozolina had visited her home twice in the early hours, both times with blood on her nose and, on the second visit, a swollen eye. Hyland described Pukas's interactions with Ozolina as often aggressive. Inga Ozolina pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused previously had bite on her nose, friend tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Audrius Pukas at The Malthouse, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, on November 20, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When: