The jury in the trial of Jozef Puska, accused of the murder of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy, has been sent home and is set to resume deliberations tomorrow. The 33-year-old from Mucklagh in Co Offaly pleads not guilty to the murder that occurred on January 12, 2022, at Grand Canal Way in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Before sending the jury out, Judge Tony Hunt expressed concerns about Puska’s behaviour following Murphy’s death. The judge emphasised the need for a clear, cold, and forensic analysis of evidence, leaving room for the possibility that Puska could be a misunderstood Good Samaritan.
Justice Hunt addressed the jury on legal principles, highlighting the charge of murder and the necessity for them to be satisfied that Puska inflicted wounds with the intention to kill or cause serious harm.
This morning, the judge guided the jury through critical pieces of evidence, including an alleged confession, DNA found under Murphy’s fingernails, and Puska’s statements. The jury must decide on the reliability of the confession, DNA evidence, and draw conclusions about Puska’s lies, with an emphasis on distinguishing lies told for innocent reasons.
The judge also discussed the significance of eyewitness Jenna Stack’s testimony, urging the jury to carefully test each witness’s account against the evidence. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, while Puska enjoys the presumption of innocence.
Judge Hunt took the jury through Puska’s testimony, emphasising stress testing against CCTV footage. The burning of Puska’s clothes, change of appearance, and the stated reason for shaving were highlighted, urging the jury to analyse these actions for a reasonable possible innocent explanation.
The jury is expected to resume deliberations tomorrow, armed with a comprehensive understanding of the case’s intricacies.
