Ashling Murphy Murder Trial Day 1
Ashling Murphy Murder Trial
Wednesday, 18 October 2023 - 8 minutes
The Central Criminal Court has heard claims a 33-year-old man accused of the murder of Ashling Murphy confessed to being involved in her killing.
Jozef Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Offaly, has pleaded not guilty to murdering the 23-year-old schoolteacher, who died while exercising along the Grand Canal in Tullamore on January 12th, 2022.
The trial opened yesterday morning.
Prosecuting barrister Anne Marie Lawlor SC told the jury that they will hear forensic evidence where it will be claimed the accused man's DNA was found under Ashling Murphy's fingernails.
Ms, Lawlor alleges there is a one in 14,000 chance that DNA belongs to anyone else.
The Court also heard that Mr. Puska is claimed to have told Gardai while in St James Hospital that he 'murdered' Ms. Murphy, and later saying 'I'm sorry'.
Stephanie Rohan was in court for Midlands 103 and she's been speaking with Sinéad Hubble:
