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Lawyer suggests murder accused was trying to stop Ashling Murphy's bleeding

Summary

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.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lawyer suggests murder accused was trying to stop Ashling Murphy's bleeding. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 12 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 12th, 2022 Other
• January 13 Other
• 2023-10-18 Publication

Why: She added: "I couldn't see his hands because he was holding a person down. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report