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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Lisa O'Carroll and agencies

Ashling Murphy: man charged with murder of teacher appears in court

Jozef Puska before a previous hearing on 19 January.
Jozef Puska before a previous hearing on 19 January. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA

A man charged with the murder of Irish schoolteacher Ashling Murphy has appeared in court and been remanded in custody for a further two weeks.

Jozef Puska, 31, of Mucklagh in Co Offaly, appeared before Cloverhill district court in Dublin, on Wednesday via video link.

He is accused of killing the 23-year-old, who was attacked while out running along a canal near Tullamore two weeks ago.

Puska confirmed his name to the court through a Slovakian interpreter during his second hearing. He removed his mask and spoke to confirm he could hear and see the court.

Judge Victor Blake asked if the director of public prosecution’s directions were available. Garda Sergeant Olwyn Murphy said they were not.

Blake adjourned the case for two weeks, remanding Puska into continuing custody until a further hearing at the same court on 9 February “for formal DPP directions”.

The court also heard that the DPP had to complete its book of evidence, which will include results of forensic searches of the alleged crime scene.

Last week, large crowds gathered in the village of Mountbolus, Co Offaly, and outside St Brigid’s Church, where her funeral was held.

Mourners included the Irish president, Michael D Higgins, and the taoiseach, Micheál Martin.

Vigils have been held across Ireland and the world to remember Murphy, and to call for a change in tackling gender-based violence.

Press Association contributed to this report

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