Today, Jozef Puska has been handed a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Ashling Murphy at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
Puska, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, was found guilty of the schoolteacher's murder last week.
In sentencing, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said it's about time judges were given the final say in what minimum terms should be.
Earlier the court heard from Ashling's partner, and mother and sister in Victim Impact Statements.
To follow all things related to the trial, you can listen to Newstalk Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney's daily podcast All Rise: The Ashling Murphy Murder Trial.
This afternoon, Puska was sentenced to the mandatory life sentence for murder.
"Mr Justice Tony Hunt did make a few remarks before sentencing Jozef Puska," Frank told The Hard Shoulder.
"He had absolutely no discretion when it came to handing down sentence - it was a mandatory life sentence, a one-size fits all when it comes to sentencing convicted murderers.
"He spoke about the dignity and composure with which the Murphy family displayed during the trial, in the face of what he said must have been provocative and brazen lies that they heard from Puska last week.
"He said that the family had their say today, and he said that he hoped that would come as some sort of solace for them."
Sentencing restriction
Frank said the Judge then went on to speak about the sentencing restriction itself.
"He also touched on the subject of that restriction when it comes to sentencing," he said.
"He said it was long past time that judges should have some say in setting minimum terms when it comes to life sentences.
"As it stands Jozef Puska will be eligible to apply for parole in 12 years; that doesn't necessarily mean he'll get parole in 12 years.
"In other jurisdictions Judges can hand down a minimum tariff - whereby if the case merited, perhaps somebody like Jozef Puska, couldn't apply for parole for 20, 30 years whatever the case may be.
"He said that maybe there are proposals out there in relation to that, to may be introduce those.
"He said that murders are not always the same, but he said that there is a one-size fits all approach when it comes to a punishment.
"He said that if he had the power to set a term, it would be a very long one.
"He also spoke about whole life sentences - again, not an option available to him, but it is an option available to other judges in other jurisdictions like in the UK.
"He said that this is the kind of case that would be considered - a whole life sentence would be considered - if it were available," he added.
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