O’Reilly lodges grounds for appeal

ELEVEN grounds of appeal have been lodged by Joe O’Reilly against his conviction for the murder of his wife Rachel at their home in Co Dublin. He claims the trial was unsatisfactory and his conviction “unsafe”.

It is believed O’Reilly will contend the evidence was insufficient to allow more than a suspicion of guilt and the trial judge should have directed the jury to enter a not guilty verdict. An appeal date has yet to be set.

O’Reilly, 35, Lambay View, Baldarragh, The Naul, was convicted unanimously by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in July last of the murder of his 30-year-old wife at their home on October 4, 2004. The couple had two children. O’Reilly had denied the murder.