Courts / Offaly / Report

BBC settles defamation case taken by Ashling Murphy's partner

Date
2025-07-03
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Tullamore
County
Offaly

Summary

The High Court heard that Ryan Casey, partner of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy, has settled a defamation claim against the BBC over comments made about his victim impact statement during a 2023 live broadcast. Casey said he was "finally free" to speak again and to honour Ashling, while the BBC clarified it does not view him as a criminal or hateful figure. The settlement, reportedly a six‑figure sum, was reached without any court order. Casey's statement at the sentencing of Ashling's murderer, Josef Puska, had highlighted the victim's contributions and the perceived failure of the state to protect people. The case was struck out by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, ending the legal dispute. The settlement resolves the dispute between Casey and the broadcaster.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: BBC settles defamation case taken by Ashling Murphy's partner. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Ashling Murphy

Applicant

Outcome: ORIGINAL VIS Mr Casey made an emotional victim impact statement to the Central Criminal Court at Puska's sentence hearing in November 2023.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Sentence

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