Courts / Offaly / Report

Jozef Puska's brother told gardai he wanted to tell them more but couldn't due to medication

Date
2025-05-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tullamore

County
Offaly

Summary

The trial of four accused persons in connection with the murder of Ashling Murphy continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Marek Puska (36) and Lubomir Puska Jnr (35) are accused of withholding information under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988, while their wives, Jozefina Grundzova (31) and Viera Gaziova (38), are accused of impeding Jozef Puska's apprehension by burning his clothing under the Criminal Law Act 1997. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty. During testimony, Detective Garda Cian Steers detailed Marek Puska's voluntary statement from January 14, 2022, in which he described the family's living situation and his search for Jozef Puska on the day of the murder. Marek stated he wished to provide further information but was hindered by medication for back problems. In cross-examination, it was noted that Marek accurately identified Jozef's bicycle. Garda Joanne O'Sullivan testified that Marek later revealed Jozef returned home on the night of the murder with visible injuries, including holes in his abdomen, and admitted to causing harm to a woman. It is alleged that Marek and Lubomir withheld this information, while the women assisted in destroying evidence. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jozef Puska's brother told gardai he wanted to tell them more but couldn't due to medication. Charges or matters: the offences, which are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988; the offences, which are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 14th, 2022 Other
January 12 Incident
January 18 Incident
2025-05-23 Publication

Why: Photo: Collins) Jozef Puska's brother Marek told gardai investigating the murder of Ashling Murphy that he wanted to tell them more but couldn't because of medication he was taking for back problems, which had left him on disability allowance. CNI source report

Case subjects

Jozefina Grundzova

Accused

Charges: the offences, which are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988; the offences, which are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Lubomir Puska Jnr

Accused

Charges: the offences, which are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988; the offences, which are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Marek Puska

Accused

Charges: the offences, which are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988; the offences, which are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Viera Gaziova

Accused

Charges: the offences, which are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988; the offences, which are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty