The man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy is due back in court again early next month for DPP's directions.
Ms Murphy, a primary school teacher, died after being attacked while out running along the grand canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12th.
Jozef Puska, with an address at Lynally Grove in Tullamore, Co Offaly, has been in custody since he was charged with her murder one week later.
At this point in proceedings, Jozef Puska is awaiting a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions as to how his case should progress.
He’s being held in Cloverhill prison and appeared before the adjoining district court through a live video link this afternoon.
In all criminal cases, the investigation team sends a case file to the DPP for her consideration, and she must then formally direct how the case should be dealt with.
Murder is an indictable offence, which means it must be heard before a judge and jury but again it’s up to the DPP to formally direct trial by indictment.
In relation to this case, Mr Puska was told today that the case file reached the DPP’s office last week, but more time was sought for her to consider it and give directions.
It’ll be back in court again on March 9th.
Reporting by Frank Greaney
