Courts / Offaly / Report

Jozef Puska tells Ashling Murphy trial he was 'witness to her murder'

Date
2023-11-03
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Tullamore
County
Offaly

Summary

Jozef Puska, aged 33, gave evidence at the Ashling Murphy trial claiming he was a witness to her murder. He testified that he was stabbed three times by the same attacker who killed the 23‑year‑old teacher. Puska described being pushed off his bike, stabbed in the stomach, and later seeing the attacker assault a woman before fleeing. He said he tried to help Murphy, using her shawl to cover injuries, but left after a few moments. Puska admitted lying to Gardaí about being stabbed in Blanchardstown and apologized, citing fear for his family. He denied confessing to murder in St James's Hospital and said he could not recall such admissions. The trial continues with further witnesses to be called. Jozef Puska pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jozef Puska tells Ashling Murphy trial he was 'witness to her murder'. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: When Ms Lawlor asked if the clothes were burned, he said: "Maybe yes, because I didn't see them any more. CNI source report

Case subjects

Jozef Puska

Defendant

Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Facility
  • St James's Hospital
  • Rostislav Pokuta's house
Address Area
  • Church Road
Garda Station

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request