Courts / Offaly / Report
Fear of self-incrimination reasonable excuse for withholding information on Ashling Murphy's murder, jury told
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Judge Caroline Biggs instructed a jury to assess whether the brothers of Jozef Puska, charged with withholding information about the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, had a reasonable excuse rooted in fear of self‑incrimination. The judge clarified that protecting a family member is not a valid excuse, but the jury must consider if the brothers, Lubomir Jnr (38) and Marek (36), genuinely feared that providing information would implicate them. Puska, who stabbed Murphy to death on 12 January 2022, is serving a life sentence. The brothers and their wives, Viera Gaziova (40) and Jozefina Grundzova (32), are charged with withholding information and burning Puska's clothes to impede his apprehension. All accused pleaded not guilty. The judge emphasized that the prosecution must prove the brothers had no reasonable excuse for failing to disclose the information, and the jury must decide if the fear of self‑incrimination was present.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Fear of self-incrimination reasonable excuse for withholding information on Ashling Murphy's murder, jury told. Charges or matters: all charges. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 12, 2022 Other
- January 2022 Incident
- 2025-06-11 Publication
Why: 30pm on the night of the murder because Jozef told them. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: all charges (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A jury later convicted him of that murder and he is serving a life sentence.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Mucklagh
- Ms Murphy. Her view
Topics
Related court reports
- 'I'm going to kill you' - Carjacker held knife to elderly woman's throat
- Pharmacist dismissed within weeks of disclosing pregnancy wins €50k
- Ashling Murderer loses bid to have life sentence backdated
- Balaclava attacker claims car search breached his rights
- Scope of Jozef Puska's conviction appeal may change, lawyers tell court
- Not an 'iota' of support for shooting victim's recognition evidence, defence tell jury
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request