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.

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

A jury of nine men and three women were sworn in to hear the case