Man charged with murder of Ashling Murphy further remanded in custody

Jozef Puska is accused of killing the 23-year-old primary school teacher, who was attacked while out running along the Grand Canal near Tullamore on January 12

Jozef Puska (second left) being led into Tullamore District Court in January. Picture Brian Lawless/PA

A man charged with the murder of teacher Ashling Murphy has been further remanded in custody pending formal directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Jozef Puska, 31, with an address of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, was initially remanded in custody on January 19.

He is accused of killing the 23-year-old primary school teacher, who was attacked while out running along the Grand Canal near Tullamore on January 12.

The Slovakian national faced his fourth hearing at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday.

Mr Puska appeared before Judge Cephas Power via video link.

Dressed in a grey tracksuit, he listened with the help of an interpreter and spoke only to give his name and to say he could see and hear the proceedings.

Sergeant Olwyn Murphy told Judge Power that "directions are still outstanding".

She said gardaí sent the investigation file to the State solicitor and the DPP in Dublin on February 18. A four-week remand was sought.

Defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght submitted that the case "is only going one way". 

He asked the judge to refuse jurisdiction at this stage and adjourn the case for a book of evidence to be completed.

Sgt Murphy pointed out there was no time limit, and she asked the judge to adjourn for formal directions from the DPP first and a book of evidence after that.

Judge Power noted the nature of the charge and indicated he would put the case back for four weeks.

However, Mr Lysaght said his client would only consent to a two-week remand. He also asked for the directions to be expedited, adding the DPP has been involved “from day one”.

Sgt Murphy said the DPP gave "ordinary directions" on day one, and now formal directions were required.

The judge noted the volume and complexity of the case and remanded Mr Puska in continuing custody to appear again on March 9.

Detective Sergeant David Scahill gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution at Mr Puska’s first hearing on January 19.

Det Sgt Scahill had said that when asked if he had anything to say in response to the charge, the accused replied: "No".

Only the High Court can consider a bail application in a murder case.