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No Evidence To Suggest Jozef Puska's Admissions To Gardaí Were A Result Of Medication

Tuesday, 31 October 2023 12:55

The Central Criminal Court has been hearing from a Professor of Pharmacology.

The jury in the Ashling Murphy murder trial 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, Offaly, denies murdering Ms Murphy along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore on January 12th, 2022.

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 Gardai 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 3:32 and 4:04 that afternoon.

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

Under cross examination, he told the defence he wasn’t a medical doctor, nor had he treated patients.

The jury was told earlier there were two prosecution witness remaining, with Mr Justice Tony Hunt adding that he doesn’t know what evidence, if any, there will be after that.

The trial continues this afternoon.

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