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'Closed ranks': Jozef Puska's family members jailed for withholding information and burning murderer's clothes
Summary
Five members of Jozef Puska's family were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for withholding or destroying evidence of the murder of Ashling Murphy. Puska's brothers Marek (36) and Lubomir (37) received 30‑month prison terms each. Lubomir's wife Viera Gaziova (40) was sentenced to 30 months, and Marek's wife Jozefina Grundzova (27 months) with the last six months suspended. Puska's partner and mother of his children, Lucia Istokova (36), received a 26‑month sentence, also with the final six months suspended. The judge, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, cited psychological reports on Roma women's roles to justify the suspensions. The sentences reflect the defendants' collective decision to conceal information and destroy evidence, including burning clothes that may have contained forensic evidence. The court noted that the offences were committed to protect a family member rather than for personal gain. Viera Gaziova pleaded not guilty. Lucia Istokova pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Closed ranks': Jozef Puska's family members jailed for withholding information and burning murderer's clothes. Charges or matters: all charges; withholding information in May this year before the commencement of the trial. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- January 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2022 Incident
- June 17 Other
- 2025-10-22 Publication
Why: Ireland is a better place because she was here. CNI source report
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: all charges; withholding information in May this year before the commencement of the trial (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Jozef Puska's family, who withheld or destroyed evidence of the murder of Ashling Murphy, have been jailed by a judge at the Central Criminal Court. Puska's brothers Marek (36) and Lubomir (37) have been sentenced to 30 months each in prison.
Convicted Person
Charges: all charges; withholding information in May this year before the commencement of the trial (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Photos: Collins) Five members of Jozef Puska's family, who withheld or destroyed evidence of the murder of Ashling Murphy, have been jailed by a judge at the Central Criminal Court. Jozef Puska's partner and the mother of his children, Lucia Istokova (36) will serve a 26-month sentence, again with the last six months suspended.
Convicted Person
Charges: all charges; withholding information in May this year before the commencement of the trial (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Lubomir's wife Viera Gaziova (40) was sentenced to 30 months and Marek's wife Jozefina Grundzova to 27 months, with the last six months of both sentences suspended.
Places mentioned
Topics
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- State given more time to file response to Aishling Murphy murderer's 'extensive' appeal
- Jozef Puska gets date to appeal Ashling Murphy murder conviction
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