Ashling Murphy's boyfriend settles defamation case against the BBC

The partner of murdered school teacher Ashling Murphy has settled a High Court action for alleged defamation against the BBC.

Ryan Casey sued the BBC following the broadcast of an episode of the political programme The View on November 30th, 2023.

The programme was broadcast nearly two weeks after Mr Casey had delivered a victim impact statement at the sentence hearing of Jozef Puska for the murder of Ms Murphy.

In a statement released after the High Court settlement on Thursday Mr Casey said the resolution of the case marked "the end of a long and difficult chapter."

He said it was never about him, but was about truth, fairness and decency.

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.

At the High Court 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 30th, 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 12th, 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.

Originally from Slovakia, he had lived in Offaly since 2015 with his wife and five children.

At his trial he claimed she had been killed by a masked man who had also attacked him. But the jury found him guilty of murder.

Outside court Mr Casey said he took the legal action against the BBC not solely out of anger, but out of a need for accountability and dignity for Ashling, for himself, their families and for all victims, who he said deserved to have their voices heard without such harsh criticism or judgement.

He said he hoped it would be a reminder to all media organisations of the high level of responsibility that came with running such public platforms.

He said he was now finally free to use his voice again to honour Ashling, and, he said, advocate for the changes desperately required in this country.

He said he wanted everyone to honour Ashling by building a better and safer Ireland.