Jozef Puska has been handed a “wholly deserved” mandatory life for the murder of 23-year-old school teacher Ashling Murphy.
Puska (33), with an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on 12 January, 2022. He was convicted of murder last week.
Mr Justice Hunt today said the life sentence was “wholly deserved” and if he had the power to impose a minimum term, it would be a very long one.
The hearing heard statements from the family and partner of Ashling Murphy. Her sister Amy said the country has lost someone who made a difference.
She told the court that the family still sets the dinner table for five people and that Ashling’s parents are “torn apart with despair”.
Ashling’s partner Ryan Casey told Puska: “Because of you I have lost my Ashling, because of you, I will never get to marry my soulmate, because of you I will never see her smile again.”