Courts / Offaly / Report
Ashling Murphy's final moments recorded on Fitbit watch, trial hears
Summary
The trial of Jozef Puska, 33, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Ashling Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022, continued before Mr Justice Tony Hunt. Prosecution evidence included Fitbit data from Ms Murphy's watch, which recorded erratic or violent movements at 3.21pm before her heart rate ceased. Witness Rostislav Pokuta testified that Puska visited his home around 9pm on the night of the alleged incident, appearing wet, frightened, and covered in scratches. Pokuta stated he initially withheld this information from gardai due to fear for his family's safety amid an "ugly atmosphere" in Tullamore, but later reported the meeting. Puska was driven to Mucklagh and identified on CCTV. Defence counsel suggested Puska had suffered stab wounds to his stomach. Det Gda Ciaran Byrne presented the Fitbit data, while Det Sgt Paul McDonnell described interviewing Puska at St James's Hospital, where Puska alleged he was stabbed in Blanchardstown by two men. The trial is ongoing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Ashling Murphy's final moments recorded on Fitbit watch, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 21 January Other
- January 12th, 2022 Other
- January 13 Other
- 2023-10-24 Publication
Why: A witness was afraid to come forward with information about the man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy because of the "ugly atmosphere" in Tullamore following her death, the Central Criminal Court has heard. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Mr Pokuta's house
- St James's Hospital
- Daingean Road
- detective unit at Blanchardstown Garda Station
- Blanchardstown
Topics
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