The man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy has been found guilty by a unanimous jury decision.
Jozef Puska, with an address of Mucklagh, Co. Offaly, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, a 23-year-old primary school teacher on 12 January 2022.
Ms Murphy suffered from 11 stab wounds to her neck, as she was jogging along Grand Canal Way, Tullamore.
It is said that Ms Murphy had taken up jogging as a New Year’s resolution.
Ms Murphy has graduated from Mary Immaculate College with a degree in primary school education in 2021 and was working in a primary school in the Tullamore area.
The jury of nine men and three women, deliberated for just over two hours, and the verdict was delivered shortly after.
Ms Murphy’s parents, her siblings and her boyfriend were in the courtroom as the verdict was read.
In a statement released by Minister of Justice Helen McEntee, she said ” Ashling’s murder shocked us all. It moved us to action, demanding an end to violence against women.
“Our determination to achieve that grows stronger every day. For Ashling, and in painful memory of so many other women who have been killed and those who suffer still.”
Women’s Aid is a national organisation working to address and prevent the impact of violence against women. In a statement posted to X (Twitter), the organisation “welcomes the conviction of Josef Puska for the murder of Ashling Murphy.
“The murder of Ashling Murphy was a shocking example of dangers posed to women and the case put a spotlight on the inherent risk of male violence in society. Every woman should have the right to be safe, both in their own homes and in their communities,” they continued.
Women’s Aid go on to explain how since 1996, 263 women have lost their lives due to violence and abuse.
If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this article, Women’s Aid can be reached on their 24-hour freephone helpline: 1800 341 900
