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"Because of you, I'll never get to marry my soulmate" - Ashling Murphy's boyfriend condemns "lowest of the low" Jozef Puska
Summary
In a courtroom in Dublin, Ryan Casey, the boyfriend of the 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy, delivered a tearful statement after the jury convicted Jozef Puska of murder. Casey described his love for Murphy, their plans to marry and start a family, and the loss he feels. He accused Puska of showing no remorse and called him "the lowest of the low." The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, imposed a mandatory life sentence, noting the seriousness of the crime and the possibility of a whole‑life order. Puska, 33, was found guilty of stabbing Murphy eleven times and slashing her once before leaving her to die near a canal in Tullamore. He will be eligible for parole after 12 years. Casey's statement focused on the personal grief and the impact of Murphy's death on his life.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Because of you, I'll never get to marry my soulmate" - Ashling Murphy's boyfriend condemns "lowest of the low" Jozef Puska. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 12th, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 10 Other
- Christmas Other
- 2023-11-17 Publication
Why: Pic: Jozef Puska following his arrest last year Ashling Murphy's boyfriend fought back tears this afternoon as he told his girlfriend's killer Jozef Puska, "Because of you I've lost everything I've ever wanted in life. CNI source report
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The judge then ordered Puska to stand before telling him there is only one sentence, which is "richly deserved", of life imprisonment. Despite Puska going into custody in January of last year, Mr Justice Hunt backdated the sentence only to last week when the verdict was returned. "I have discretion," he said. "And the backdate should be entirely academic anyway.
Places mentioned
- Six prison
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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