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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
John Hand

Pictures of Ashling Murphy held by family in Tullamore court as man charged with her murder

Five pictures of tragic Ashling Murphy were held by relatives in court as a Slovakian man was charged with her murder.

Jozef Puska, 31, was brought before a special sitting of Tullamore District court over the killing of 23-year-old Ashling.

The primary school teacher was fatally assaulted as she went for a jog along the grand canal in the Offaly town a week beforehand, on Wednesday, January 12.

The court heard from Det Sergeant David Scahill who gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said when he asked the accused did he have any response following the charge of murder, Puska said: "No."

Puska of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly - a village 5km away from Tullamore - wore a grey tracksuit and he did not address the court during the short hearing.

A Slovakian translator was sworn in and the accused listened to the proceedings through him throughout.

Judge Catherine Staines granted legal aid after a statement of means was handed in.

Puska's defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght explained the man was on disability benefit of €200 per week.

There was no application for bail, as with a murder charge, it can only be granted by the High Court.

Puska was remanded in custody until January 26 to Cloverhill District Court.

When he entered the court before the hearing with gardai, relatives of Ashling stood at the back of the room holding five pictures of her, including ones of her at school when she was younger and playing GAA.

Vigil to remember Ashling Murphy outside Leinster House (Collins)

Beforehand, a huge crowd formed outside the gates before Puska's arrival in a garda vehicle, with a few coming into the grounds to stand on the steps of the building.

As he got out, some roared at him as gardai formed a line to bring him up the steps.

Afterwards, the crowd had gathered inside the grounds and waited for over ten minutes for him to emerge.

Again, cops had a pathway ready as they linked arms ahead of him emerging.

With a garda holding each arm, the man was brought down as locals shouted at him.

He was put into the garda van but it took off and people began to chase it out as it left the yard.

Puska had been in garda custody since his arrest on Tuesday at St James's hospital.

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