It happened shortly after 11.30 last night on a local road at Esker Cross in Ballinalee.

The Murphy family has the opportunity to deliver a victim impact statement before the Central Criminal Court today but they are not obliged to do so.

Trial judge Mr. Justice Tony Hunt said he agreed with the verdict, and told the jury there was "evil in this room."

Friends and family of Ashling Murphy applauded as the jury was dismissed.

33-year-old Jozef Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, denies murder, and took to the stand yesterday afternoon.

The Jury were told today that the statement was made through an interpreter.

33-year-old Jozef Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, denies murdering the school teacher along the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12th 2022.

33-year-old Jozef Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co. Offaly, denies the murder of the schoolteacher along the Grand Canal in Tullamore on January 12th, 2022.