A medical expert has told the trial of a man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy that there was no evidence that his confession to the killing in hospital two days later was related to the effects of any drugs, reports RTE.
Joseph Puska, 33, of Muckleagh, Co Offaly, pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, 23, on Grand Canal Way, Tullamore, on January 12, 2022.
The jury heard that Puska was admitted to hospital in Dublin the following morning with abdominal injuries and told police the following day that he had done it and was the murderer.
Professor Michael Ryan, an expert in pharmacology and toxicology, agreed with prosecutor Anne-Marie Lawlor that he had been called as an expert witness and asked to consider whether there might be any substances in Mr Puskar’s system that could have any effect on his condition.
Professor Ryan said Puska was described by various doctors as “alert and oriented” during the day and moving from bed to chair with minimal effort in the afternoon.
The literature suggests that the drug does not cause any side effects at doses below 10 mg. He further said that the drug that left Puskar’s body on the evening of January 14 was about 8.25 mg.
Professor Ryan said his conclusion was that there was no evidence to support any suggestion that the police admission was related to the effects of oxycodone or any other drug, reports RTE.
Professor Ryan was cross-examined by defence lawyer Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing who agreed that his expertise was in pharmacology and toxicology, not in treating patients on the ward.
He admitted that he had relied on notes taken by medical staff about Mr Puska, reports RTE.
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