Courts / Offaly / Report

Jozef Puska denies murder of Ashling Murphy as trial set to open tomorrow

Summary

A 33‑year‑old man, Jozef Puska, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 23‑year‑old school teacher Ashling Murphy, who was allegedly killed near the Grand Canal in Tullamore on 12 January 2022. The trial will be held at the Central Criminal Court and is expected to last up to five weeks. A jury of twelve, sworn this afternoon, will hear the case. Judge Tony Hunt warned potential jurors that they must not have engaged in commentary about the case online or on social media and that any prior knowledge of Puska's hospital stay at St James's Hospital in Dublin should be disclosed. The prosecution will present witnesses from the Tullamore area, the midlands, various Dublin Garda stations and forensic science laboratories, with medical personnel possibly called to give evidence. The defence will be represented by Michael Bowman SC. The trial is scheduled to open tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jozef Puska denies murder of Ashling Murphy as trial set to open tomorrow. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 12th, 2022 Other
• January 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-10-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report