No Evidence Jozef Puska's Admissions Were As A Result Of Medication

No Evidence Jozef Puska's Admissions Were As A Result Of Medication

The jury in the trial of a man accused of Ashling Murphy's murder has heard there is no evidence to suggest Jozef Puska’s admissions to Gardaí while in hospital were as a result of any medication.

33-year-old Mr. Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, denies murdering Ms. Murphy along the banks of the Grand Canal on January 12th 2022.

Ashling Murphy is seen in this undated photo. Picture by: rip.ie

Professor of Pharmacology at UCD, Michael Ryan told the jury he examined the medical records of Jozef Puska while he was in St. James’ Hospital.

He said there was one drug being administered to Mr. Puska – called oxycodone - after having keyhole surgery which in higher doses, could have caused changes in mood or behaviour.

He added that Jozef Puska was receiving it in 5mg doses – which he described as ‘very low’.

Professor Ryan told the court that by the time he made admissions to Gardaí on January 14th, there was no evidence he was sedated and no evidence to suggest that the admissions were related to oxycodone.

Under cross-examination, the court heard Jozef Puska received 5mg at 3:32pm and 4:04pm that afternoon.

Professor Ryan said the medical records showed Mr. Puska was given the drug ‘as required’.