Ashling Murphy Murder Trial Day 12
Ashling Murphy Murder Trial
Tuesday, 7 November 2023 - 5 minutes
The jury in the Ashling Murphy murder trial could be sent for deliberations on Wednesday, as they heard from the final witness this afternoon.
33-year-old Jozef Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co. Offaly, denies murdering Ashling Murphy on the banks of the Grand Canal on January 12th, 2022.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt told the jury that they have heard all of the evidence, and outlined the procedures for the rest of the trial.
The closing speeches of the prosecution and defence will take place this morning, and Mr Justice Hunt also outlined that his charge to the jury will be finished by Wednesday, which after then they can start their deliberations.
Yesterday the jury heard from Dr Johann Grundlingh, a former consultant in the UK who said Jozef Puska could have been confused when he made admissions to Gardai at St James' Hospital 2 days after Ashling Murphy's death.
Dr Grundlingh said this could have been due to a number of factors - including the medication he was taking, an unfamiliar environment and a language barrier.
Under cross-examination from prosecuting barrister Ms Anne Marie Lawlor, Dr Grundlingh said his evidence of Jozef Puska's familiarity with hospitals would be speculation.
Frank Greaney has been in court for Midlands 103 and has been speaking with David Hollywood and says Dr Grundlingh raised concerns none of the doctors were asked to assess if Mr. Puska was fit to be questioned by the gardai.
