Ashling Murphy’s emotional boyfriend breaks silence with ‘vibrant’ girlfriend tribute after vile murderer found guilty

THE boyfriend of Ashling Murphy has said she was a "vibrant, intelligent and highly-motivated woman" in an emotional statement after Jozef Puska was found guilty of her murder.

The 33-year-old, from Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022.

After Puska was found guilty of her murder, Ashling's boyfriend Ryan Casey thanked gardai and the prosecution for their work on the case.

Speaking also on behalf of the Murphy family, he said: "From day one, the outpouring of love and support was felt in abundance from the Irish people both at a national and international level as they stood in solidarity with our family to both mourn the loss of our beautiful, talented Ashling and to condemn gender-based brutality with visceral repulsion.

"Ashley was was a vibrant, intelligent and highly-motivated woman who embodied so many great traits and qualities of the Irish people and its communities.

"Her life had a huge impact on so many of those around her and she was the epitome of a perfect role model for every little girl to look up to and strive to be.

"She was not only an integral part of our family, but she was also a huge shining light in our community."

'VICIOUS MONSTER'

Ashling's brother Cathal said his sister had been subjected to incomprehensible violence by a "vicious monster".

Speaking to the media, he said: "We would like to also thank the members of the jury for reaching this verdict.

"Sitting through the harrowing evidence of this trial was not an easy task and we'll be forever grateful for their patience and resilience throughout this incredibly difficult process.

"Ashling was subjected to incomprehensible violence by a predator who was not known to her.

"While we do not glory in any conviction, we recognise the importance of holding accountable those who would commit such terrible atrocities.

"The judicial process cannot bring our darling Ashling back, nor can it heal our wounds, but we are relieved that this verdict delivers justice.

"It is simply imperative that this vicious monster can never harm another woman again."

The family then appealed for privacy as it processes and grieves its loss.

The young schoolteacher, 23, died after she was stabbed 11 times in the neck in a broad daylight while she was exercising along the Grand Canal in Tullamore.

UNANIMOUS VERDICTS

The jury of nine men and three women reached their unanimous verdict after beginning deliberations yesterday.

They had deliberated for just for two hours before reaching their unanimous verdict at the Central Criminal Court this afternoon.

Ashling’s family embraced each other and sobbed after evil Puska was convicted of her murder.

Evil Puska now faces a mandatory life sentence for murder.

Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt thanked the jury for their service and exempted them from further duty for 20 years.

He said the prompt verdict reflected that it was a straightforward case.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the decision as very “straightforward” and he was "satisfied" that their “prompt verdict reflected” that.

He added: “I’m glad you didn’t spend any more time than you needed to on Mr Puska’s nonsense.”

He said he agreed with the verdict and was satisfied it was correct.

'DIFFICULT AND UPSETTING'

However, he said there was no doubt the case was "difficult and upsetting".

He thanked them for their “diligent” work on what was “a very difficult case” before excusing them for jury service for 20 years.

He added that there was such a focus on the case because of the kind of person Ashling was.

He continued: "To lose a child is unnatural. Their position is unenviable. To consider what happened here is enough to make you physically ill.

“We have evil in this room."

He adjourned the sentencing until November 17 to give the family time to prepare a victim impact statement for the court.