Courts / Tipperary / Report

Jury asked to consider self defence against "violent" boyfriend in woman's murder trial

Date
2019-05-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tipperary

Summary

In the murder trial of Inga Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old Latvian‑born woman, the defence counsel, Caroline Biggs SC, urged the jury to acquit if there is a reasonable possibility that the fatal wound was caused by Mr Pukas moving toward the knife, or that Ozolina acted in justifiable self‑defence, or that she had no intent to kill. Ozolina, who lives in Mountrath, claimed she grabbed a nearby object to defend herself after Mr Pukas, a 40‑year‑old father of two, began hitting and biting her. The court heard evidence of domestic abuse, including injuries to Ozolina and witnesses describing Mr Pukas's aggression. The prosecution, represented by Paul Murray SC, argued that the knife wounds were not accidental and that Ozolina had the knife and was not in self‑defence. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, will deliberate on these points. The trial is ongoing. Inga Ozolina pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury asked to consider self defence against "violent" boyfriend in woman's murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Audrius Pukas at The Malthouse, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, on November 20, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When: