In a harrowing trial at the Central Criminal Court, the details of the brutal murder of school teacher Ashling Murphy were revealed. The court heard that Ms. Murphy suffered 12 wounds to her neck, with State Pathologist Dr. SallyAnne Collis describing 11 of them as stab wounds. One of the stab wounds damaged both sides of her voice box, rendering her unable to speak or make any intelligible sound.

The accused, 33-year-old Jozef Puska, has pleaded not guilty to the murder that occurred beside the Grand Canal in Tullamore on January 12, 2022. Dr. Collis emphasised that Ms. Murphy’s death was primarily caused by the stab wounds, which damaged major veins and a major artery.

The court learned that injuries on Ms. Murphy’s hands may have been defensive in nature, suggesting an attempt to protect herself. Dr. Collis noted that some stab wounds hinted at a serrated blade. The prosecution suggested a dynamic situation, while the defense explored the possibility that the injuries were inflicted by a right-handed person facing Ms. Murphy.

The proceedings also included testimony from the first responding gardaí at the crime scene. Garda Tom Dunne described attempts at CPR on Ms. Murphy, highlighting the distressing condition of her body. Further accounts from Garda Hunter and Detective Sergeant David Scahill detailed the efforts made to save Ms. Murphy’s life.

Witness Emma Doyle, who encountered a man on a bicycle near the canal, shared crucial details about the suspect’s appearance. The jury is anticipated to review CCTV footage in the coming days, providing additional insights into the tragic incident that shook Tullamore.

The trial continues.