Courts / Offaly / Report
'Evil in this room': Jury finds Jozef Puska guilty of murdering Ashling Murphy
Summary
Jozef Puska, aged 33, was found guilty of murdering 23‑year‑old school teacher Ashling Murphy by stabbing her 11 times in the neck on 12 January 2022. The Central Criminal Court jury delivered a unanimous verdict after two hours of deliberation. Puska, who had pleaded not guilty, was taken to prison by officers as the verdict was announced. He will be sentenced to life imprisonment on 17 November. The jury's decision was praised by the Murphy family, who attended every day of the trial. Evidence presented included CCTV footage of Puska's bicycle near the scene, DNA on the bike and under Murphy's fingernails, and his fingerprints. Puska's defence claimed he was attacked by a masked man, a claim rejected by the jury. No motive was offered. The sentencing date was set for 17 November.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Evil in this room': Jury finds Jozef Puska guilty of murdering Ashling Murphy. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 17th Adjournment
- January 12th, 2022 Other
- 2023-11-09 Publication
Why: He added: "I'm glad you didn't waste any more of your valuable time with Puska's nonsense, because that's what it was. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt adjourned sentencing until November 17th when the Murphy family will be invited to address the court on Ashling's behalf and to speak of the loss they have suffered since her death.
Convicted Person
Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt adjourned sentencing until November 17th when the Murphy family will be invited to address the court on Ashling's behalf and to speak of the loss they have suffered since her death.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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