By Tony O’Reilly-
The jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin has commenced deliberations in the trial of Jozef Puska, (pictured)who stands accused of the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy.
Ashling, a 23-year-old teacher, lost her life while out for a run on a canal path in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12 of the previous year.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
Jozef Puska, a 33-year-old resident of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. Judge Mr. Justice Tony Hunt has instructed the jury to approach their task with a clear-eyed and unemotional perspective.
“You have to be clinical, analytical, and forensic in your approach,” Judge Hunt emphasized. “You certainly leave emotion out as a jury; I can’t emphasize that enough.”
During the trial, the accused testified that he was attempting to help Ashling Murphy after she had reportedly been attacked by another man, who had also assaulted him.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
The judge reminded the jury that if they believe the facts as described by Puska or find a reasonable possibility that they are as he claimed, they must acquit him, as no crime would have been committed by him.
Judge Hunt also pointed out that if the jury believes Puska acted as a misunderstood good Samaritan in the case, they should also acquit him. However, he acknowledged that some of Puska’s behavior after the incident did not help his case.
The judge further instructed the jury that for a murder conviction, they must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Puska inflicted the neck wounds on Ashling Murphy and intended to kill or cause serious injury at the time of the attack.
Puska has also admitted to telling lies during the course of the investigation, including initial claims of being randomly attacked by two men. The judge highlighted the need for the jury to assess whether there might be an innocent explanation for these lies.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution has argued that the evidence against Puska is “overwhelming” and “compelling.” The judge urged the jury to decide on the facts of the case first and then apply the law to those facts.
Jozef Puska’s defense has suggested that he shaved his beard to find out if he had cuts under it, a claim the judge urged the jury to scrutinize closely.
The jury, composed of nine men and three women, commenced their deliberations at 3:35 pm and will continue on the following day. Judge Hunt has promised to provide them with transcripts of Puska’s evidence, as well as the testimonies of eyewitnesses Jenna Stack and Aoife Marron.
The trial has captivated the public’s attention, and Ashling Murphy’s family watched from the public gallery as proceedings unfolded in the courtroom. The case has highlighted the intricacies of the legal process and the importance of determining the truth amidst conflicting evidence.
The court anticipates a verdict that will provide justice for Ashling Murphy and clarity in a case that has drawn extensive public interest.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar