Courts / Offaly / Report

Scope of Jozef Puska's conviction appeal may change, lawyers tell court

Date
2026-07-03
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Tullamore
County
Offaly

Summary

Lawyers representing Jozef Puska, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, have told the court that the scope of his conviction appeal may change. Puska's appeal was originally due to be heard on April 23, but was vacated after his barristers withdrew from the case. Senior Counsel John Berry confirmed he would represent Puska, and the Court of Appeal set a new hearing date of July 15. During a case management hearing, Mr Berry indicated that an instruction received in the last two days may change the scope of the appeal. The matter was adjourned to July 10. Puska, who had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, was found by the jury to have stabbed her 11 times in the neck and slashed her once with a blade. A monument now stands where she died. Puska was placed at the scene by the presence of his distinctive green and black bicycle, which was captured on CCTV. His DNA was found on the bike and under Ms Murphy's fingernails.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Scope of Jozef Puska's conviction appeal may change, lawyers tell court. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12th, 2022. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

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.; Ms Justice Kennedy adjourned the matter to July 10.

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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