Josef Puska's wife charged with withholding information during Ashling Murphy murder investigation

The wife, brothers and sister-in-law of convicted murder Josef Puska will face trial charged with withholding information during the early stages of the investigation into the death of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy in January 2022.

In November, Josef Puska was found guilty of Ms Murphy's murder following a trial at the Central Criminal Court.

His wife, Lucia Istokova appeared before Tullamore District Court on Wednesday, accused of withholding information from gardaí which could have aided in Puska's apprehension, prosecution or conviction.

Puska's two brothers – Lubomir and Marek Puska – and their two wives – Viera Gazoiva and Jozelina Grundzova – also appeared before the court.

They were also sent forward for trial on charges relating to the alleged obstruction of the Garda investigation into Ms Murphy's death.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at Puska's home some time between the date Ashling was murdered, January 12th, and January 14th, 2022.

The Director for Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment at the Central Criminal Court.