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Jozef Puska's brother had 'reasonable excuse' of wanting to protect himself in statements, defence say

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, defence counsel Karl Finnegan SC argued that Marek Puska (36), Jozef Puska's brother, had a reasonable excuse for withholding information from gardai after the murder of Ashling Murphy. Finnegan said Marek was protecting himself, fearing that his statements could implicate him in assisting his brother. He noted that Marek had not believed Jozef had stabbed Murphy when he spoke to investigators two days after the crime. Prosecutor Anne Marie Lawlor SC countered that Marek knew Jozef's confession shortly after 9.30 pm on the night of the murder and, along with brother Lubomir Jnr (38), failed to disclose vital information. Lawlor also accused Jozefina Grundzova (32) and Viera Gaziova (40) of burning Jozef's clothes to impede his arrest, a charge they admit. All accused pleaded not guilty. Jozef Puska was convicted of murdering 23‑year‑old Ashling Murphy and is serving a life sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jozef Puska's brother had 'reasonable excuse' of wanting to protect himself in statements, defence say. Charges or matters: all charges. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 2022 Incident
• January 12, 2022 Other
• January 14th Incident
• 2025-06-09 Publication

Why: 30pm on the night of the murder because Jozef told him. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report