The jury deliberating in Ashling Murphy’s murder trial has been sent home for the evening

The jury of nine men and three women began deliberations this afternoon at 3:35 p.m.

They were sent home at 4:01 p.m.

Before they went home, the jury asked for a transcript of the statements of joggers Jenna Stack and Aoife Marren, as well as the statements of Mr Puska.

Mr Puska (33), with an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ashling Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore on January 12, 2022.

The process is now in its fourth week.

It is alleged that Mr Puska stabbed Ms Murphy eleven times in the right side of the neck with a knife.

In his defence, Mr Puska said he was stabbed three times in the stomach by a man wearing a face mask, who then attacked and killed Ms Murphy.

On Wednesday, Judge Tony Hunt handed his charge to the jury.

He also read jogger Jenna Stack’s statement and Mr. Puska’s statement in full to the jury.

He told the jury that it was very important that all twelve jurors attended their deliberations.

He said the jury’s verdict, guilty or not, must be unanimous.

Judge Hunt said each juror must decide the case for themselves and only after considering all the evidence.

He urged jurors to listen to other people’s views and said they should not be afraid to change their minds.

However, a juror should not change their mind just because other jurors think they are right and you are wrong.

Don’t change your honest belief just to reach a verdict, Judge Hunt added.

He said jurors should not be influenced by personal likes or dislikes or prejudices, including unconscious bias.

The judge also said the jury was required to consult among themselves to reach an agreement.

Judge Hunt again urged the jury to leave emotions out of the room, saying they needed to have a clear view and no emotions.

He compared what jurors have to do to that of a doctor who has to go about his business in a logical and emotionless manner. Doctors must call it what it is, regardless of like or dislike, and that’s what the jury must do, the judge said.

Judge Hunt said murder was unlawful killing.

He said the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Puska inflicted those wounds on Ms Murphy.

If the jury was satisfied that Mr. Puska caused these wounds, they must also be satisfied that he intended to kill or cause serious injury.

Mr. Puska has the presumption of innocence and if the prosecution has not taken you to the end in an evidence-fueled train, you must be acquitted, Judge Hunt said.

If you come to the conclusion that the facts described by Mr. Puska are reasonably possible, that he is a victim of crime and a victim of circumstances, then you must acquit him, he said.

The process continues.