Ashling Murphy was “the perfect role model for every little girl”, her boyfriend has said.
This comes after Jozef Puska was handed a guilty verdict for the murder of Ms Murphy this afternoon.
Friends and family of Ashling Murphy applauded as the jury was dismissed by Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
Speaking outside court following the verdict, Ms Murphy’s boyfriend Ryan Casey expressed “deep gratitude to all family, friends and the community for their unwavering support” over the past year.
“From day one, the outpouring of love and support was felt in abundance from the Irish people, both on a national and international level, as they stood in solidarity with our family to both mourn the loss of our beautiful talented Ashling and to condemn gender-based brutality with visceral repulsion,” he said.
Cathal Murphy and Ryan Casey speaking outside the criminal court after Jozef Puska was found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy, 09/11/2023. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie“Ashling was a vibrant, intelligent and highly motivated young woman who embodied so many great traits and qualities of the Irish people and its communities.
“Her life had a huge impact on so many around her and she was the epitome of the perfect role model for every little girl to look up to and strive to be.
“She was not only an integral part of our family, but she was also a huge shining light in our community.”
'Harrowing evidence'
Ms Murphy’s brother Cathal Murphy thanked the jury “for reaching this verdict”.
“Sitting through the harrowing evidence of this trial was not an easy task and we will be forever grateful for their patience and resilience,” he said.
“Ashling was subject to incomprehensible violence by a predator who was not known to her.
“The judicial process cannot bring our darling Ashling back, nor can it heal our wounds, but we are relieved this verdict delivered justice.
“It's simply imperative that this vicious monster can never harm another woman again.”
Puska will now be handed the mandatory life sentence for murder.
His sentence hearing is due to take place next week.
