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Jozef Puska's wife knew he'd killed or seriously injured woman on day of Ashling Murphy's murder
Summary
Lucia Istokova, 36, pleaded guilty at trial to withholding information from gardai investigating the murder of Ashling Murphy. The single charge alleged that on January 14, 2022, Istokova failed without reasonable excuse to disclose to An Garda Síochána that Jozef Puska had visible injuries when he returned to their home in Tullamore, Co Offaly. The charge further alleged she failed to tell gardai that Puska admitted to killing or seriously injuring a female with a knife, or that he owned a bicycle found near Ms Murphy's body. It was alleged Istokova knew or believed this information might assist in securing Puska's apprehension or conviction for an offence involving loss of human life or serious personal injury. During a 12-day pre-trial hearing, Istokova had challenged the admissibility of her statements to gardai. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs ruled the statements could be used as evidence for a jury. Following this ruling, Istokova entered her guilty plea. Her co-accused, Jozefina Grundzova, 32, also sought to exclude evidence of two interviews she had with gardai but opted for a trial by jury after the admissibility ruling. Ms Justice Biggs ordered that Istokova's plea could not be reported until verdicts were reached in respect of the other four defendants to protect their fair trial rights. Istokova was released on continuing bail following the plea. Her co-accused were also on bail throughout the trial.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jozef Puska's wife knew he'd killed or seriously injured woman on day of Ashling Murphy's murder. Charges or matters: withholding information from gardai investigating the murder. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 19 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 14, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-06-17 Publication
Case subjects
Co Accused
Defendant
Charges: withholding information from gardai investigating the murder (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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