UPDATE: Hundreds gather at courthouse as man is charged with Ashling Murphy murder

A man has been remanded in custody for a week charged with the murder of Ashling Murphy last Wednesday, January 12.

Jozef Puska, aged 31, Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly appeared at a special sitting of Tullamore District Court shortly after 8pm on Wednesday evening, January 19.

Detective Sergeant David Scahill gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and said Mr Puska replied "No" when cautioned earlier.

ABOVE: A crowd gathered at Tullamore Courthouse around a Garda van there to carry the accused to Cloverhill Prison PIC: Ger Rogers

The accused, wearing a grey hoodie and trousers, was assisted by a Slovakian interpreter in court.

When Inspector Keyes briefly removed his hat, a picture of Ms Murphy could be seen inside it.

Legal aid was granted when the court was told Mr Puska was on a disability payment and received €200 a week.  A statement of means was handed in.

Eoin Lysaght represented him in court and was assigned as his solicitor.

A crowd estimated at 300 people shouted obscenities and jeered as he was being led into court.

As they waited for him to emerge from the courthouse to be brought down the steps and into a waiting van, some called for gardai to "Take off his mask".

The crowd followed the van as it left the courthouse, with many people recording the event on their mobile phones.