Courts / Offaly / Report

New date set for Ashling Murphy murderer's appeal

Date
2026-04-24
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Tullamore
County
Offaly

Summary

An appeal brought by Jozef Puska against his conviction for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy has been rescheduled for July. Puska is serving a life sentence for stabbing Ms Murphy 11 times in the neck and slashing her once with a blade in January 2022. The appeal was delayed after Puska changed his barristers shortly before the original hearing date. The new date for the appeal was set for July 15, with a case management hearing scheduled for May 15. Puska, who was identified by CCTV footage and DNA evidence, had pleaded not guilty to the murder. The court heard that Puska's DNA was found on the murder weapon and under Ms Murphy's fingernails, indicating she had fought back. The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal, with the judge noting the need for an early hearing date.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: New date set for Ashling Murphy murderer's appeal. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Ashling Murphy

Appellant

Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12th, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Puska is serving a life sentence for the murder of Ms Murphy (23), whom he attacked and stabbed repeatedly in the neck as she exercised along the canal towpath outside Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022.

Jozef Puska

Appellant

Charges: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12th, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Puska is serving a life sentence for the murder of Ms Murphy (23), whom he attacked and stabbed repeatedly in the neck as she exercised along the canal towpath outside Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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