The husband of primary school teacher Ashling Murphy, who was murdered, confessed to his wife that he did not intend to kill the victim. Jozef Puska revealed this to Lucia Istokova after the incident took place, causing her fear and reluctance to report the crime to authorities. The tragic event occurred when Ms. Murphy, 23, was fatally stabbed while jogging at the Grand Canal in Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, Ireland on January 12, 2022.
During a court session at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court, Istokova, along with Puska’s brothers and their wives, admitted to being aware of Puska’s involvement in harming a woman. The wives were instructed to burn Puska’s clothes worn during the incident. Legal proceedings revealed that Puska’s wife and brothers could face up to five years in prison, while the brothers’ wives could face a maximum of ten years behind bars.
However, the sentencing was delayed as Judge Caroline Biggs awaited victim impact statements from Murphy’s family. Prosecuting Counsel Annemarie Lawlor SC highlighted that Istokova was charged with withholding crucial information from investigators regarding her husband’s actions, including his return home with injuries, admission of harming a woman, ownership of a bike found at the scene, and his travel to Dublin that evening.
In a subsequent police interview, Istokova disclosed that Puska expressed regret over the incident, stating he did not intend to cause harm and needed to leave the scene. Istokova admitted she was initially scared to inform the authorities about key details like the bike and the burning of Puska’s clothes. She pleaded guilty before the trial, unlike the other defendants who pleaded not guilty and were subsequently convicted by a jury in June.
Colman Fitzgerald SC, representing Istokova, emphasized her remorse and acceptance of wrongdoing. Istokova acknowledged the gravity of her actions, relieved to have disclosed the truth. She is now solely caring for her children, with concerns raised about the impact of their father’s absence on them.
The psychological report highlighted potential challenges the children may face, with Istokova trying to shield them from the situation. Judge Biggs postponed the sentencing to October 22 to allow for the reading of victim impact statements from the Murphy family in court.