Jozef Puska to face jury trial over murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore

Slovakian national Jozef Puska is to face trial at the central criminal court over the murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore in January.

Jozef Puska, 31, with an address of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, was initially remanded in custody on January 19 and has appeared before Cloverhill District Court on a number of occasions since.

On Wednesday, appearing via video link at Cloverhill District Court, the DPP's direction was confirmed as a trial on indictment in the Central Criminal Court on the charge of murder.

He will face trial before a jury.

Mr Puska is accused of killing the 23-year-old primary school teacher while she was out running along the Grand Canal near Tullamore on January 12.

Mr Puska was remanded in custody once again to appear before Cloverhill District Court on March 23 as the book of evidence continues to be prepared.