Ashling Murphy's partner settles case against BBC
by Paul Neilan
The defamation case taken by Ryan Casey, the partner of murdered Offaly school teacher Ashling Murphy, against the BBC following comments made about his victim impact statement on a live broadcast has been settled, the High Court heard today (Thursday).
In a statement released after the settlement, Mr Casey said the resolution of the case marked "the end of a long and difficult chapter of frustration and censorship".
The BBC said it was "happy to clarify" that it does not consider Mr Casey to be "someone guilty of or attempting to incite hatred".
Mr Casey had taken the case in relation to a BBC Northern Ireland broadcast of 'The View' programme in November 2023, relating to Mr Casey's victim impact statement at the sentencing of Ms Murphy's murderer Josef Puska.
Mr Casey was represented by Ronan Lupton, SC, instructed by Tullamore firm, Brian P Adams & Company.
At the High Court today Alan Keating, SC, for the BBC, read out a statement on the settlement of the case on behalf of the broadcaster.
"In the BBC's November 30, 2023 episode of its live political programme 'The View', Mr Ryan Casey's victim impact statement at the sentencing of his late partner's murderer was discussed.
"The BBC stands by the journalism involved in this episode which debated serious issues of public interest.
"The BBC is happy to clarify that it does not consider Ryan Casey to be a criminal or a racist or someone guilty of or attempting to incite hatred, or someone seeking to pose as a hero of the Far Right through his victim impact statement.
"The BBC acknowledges Mr Casey's personal tragedy. This statement clarifies any unintentional inferences that could have been drawn from the broadcast and has enabled the BBC and Ryan Casey to resolve this matter amicably," the statement read.
It is understood the settlement is a six-figure sum.
Mr Justice Alexander Owens then struck out the case and made no order.
Jozef Puska (35) murdered Ms Murphy (23) on January 12, 2022, by repeatedly stabbing her in the neck after attacking her while she exercised along the canal towpath outside Tullamore, Co Offaly.
He was later convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence.