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Ashling Murphy murderer delays appeal by changing barristers days before hearing
Summary
Jozef Puska's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy has been adjourned after he changed legal representation less than a week before the scheduled hearing. Puska, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12, 2022, was convicted and is serving a life sentence. His counsel informed the Court of Appeal that Puska instructed his solicitor to engage new senior counsel, necessitating a withdrawal from the case. The DPP's counsel expressed concern over the delay, noting the family's anxiety to proceed. Ms Justice Kennedy vacated the April 23 hearing date and listed the matter for April 24 to determine the earliest possible future date. Separately, in June 2025, Puska's brothers Marek and Lubomir were convicted of withholding information and sentenced to 30 months each. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina, were sentenced to 24 and 21 months respectively for burning evidence. Puska's partner, Lucia Istokova, pleaded guilty to withholding information and received a 20-month sentence. All five individuals were living with Puska at the time of the 2022 offences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Ashling Murphy murderer delays appeal by changing barristers days before hearing. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12th, 2022; withholding information in May last year, before the start of her relative's trial. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- Thursday, April 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- Friday, April 24 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 16 Other
- January 12th, 2022 Other
- June 2025 Other
- January 2022 Incident
- 2026-04-17 Publication
Why: No motive has been offered for the killing and lawyers in the case and Ms Murphy's family have stressed repeatedly that there was no connection between Puska and Ms Murphy, despite internet rumours of such a link. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12th, 2022; withholding information in May last year, before the start of her relative's trial (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Appellant
Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12th, 2022; withholding information in May last year, before the start of her relative's trial (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Puska's brothers, Marek (36) and Lubomir (37), were each sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Convicted Person
Charges: withholding information in May last year, before the start of her relative's trial (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Viera Gaziova (40), received a 24-month sentence, and Marek's wife, Jozefina (32), was sentenced to 21 months.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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