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Woman tells Ashling Murphy trial how accused followed and fixed her with 'intimidating stare'

Summary

In the trial of Jozef Puska, a 33‑year‑old accused of murdering 23‑year‑old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, Annemarie Kelly testified that she felt uncomfortable when Puska cycled behind her very slowly and stared at her. She described the stare as intimidating and noted his physical appearance: about five feet seven or eight inches tall, slim build, shaved head, black stubble, dark eyebrows, sallow skin and dark eyes. Kelly said she tried to avoid him by walking fast, jogging past him, and eventually crossing a canal bridge to escape. She also reported contacting gardai after the incident. Puska denies the murder charge. The trial is before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of nine men and three women. The case remains at the trial stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman tells Ashling Murphy trial how accused followed and fixed her with 'intimidating stare'. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 12th, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 14 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-10-23 Publication

Why: Annemarie Kelly told the trial of Mr Puska, who denies murdering the 23-year-old schoolteacher, that she contacted gardai both on the evening after hearing of Ms Murphy's death and the following day because, she said: "There was a man following me as I was out on my walk and he was following me for quite a bit of time. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report