Courts / Offaly / Report

Ashling Murphy murder accused takes the stand in own defence

Summary

Jozef Puska, aged 33, took the stand in his own defence at the Ashling Murphy murder trial. He denied any intent to harm the 23‑year‑old teacher, stating he had "no bad intention whatsoever" when he was cycling behind Annemarie Kelly, a witness who claimed Puska was following her. Puska explained that he had left his home in Mucklagh at 11:30 a.m. on a push bike, travelled to Tullamore, and moved around the town, looking for his brother. He described the bike he rode—a black Falcon Storm push bike with a green needle—as the one found near the murder site. Puska also said he would not comment on questions about his DNA found under Murphy's fingernails or his presence at the scene, after being interviewed by Gardaí under the Criminal Justice Act 1984. The prosecution closed its case, and Puska's testimony will continue tomorrow. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Ashling Murphy murder accused takes the stand in own defence. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 12th, 2022 Other
• January 12 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 18 Incident
• January 13th Other
• 2023-11-02 Publication

Why: He said he took different routes because he was trying to find his brother, who had gone to the dentist. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report