The Central Criminal Court has heard claims a 33-year-old man accused of the murder of Ashling Murphy confessed to being involved in her killing.

Jozef Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, County Offaly, has pleaded not guilty to murdering the 23-year-old schoolteacher, who died while exercising along the Grand Canal in Tullamore on January 12th, 2022.

Prosecuting barrister Anne Marie Lawlor SC told the jury that they will hear forensic evidence where it will be claimed the accused man's DNA was found under Ashling Murphy's fingernails.

Ms Lawlor alleges there is a 1 in 14,000 chance that DNA belongs to anyone else.

The Court also heard that Mr Puska is claimed to have told Gardaí while in St James Hospital that he 'murdered' Ms Murphy, and later said 'I'm sorry'.

The case is continuing this afternoon.

Main image: Jozef Puska