Fears social media may prejudice trial

A senior Melbourne police chief has joined with Jill Meagher’s grieving husband in calling for people not to post anything on social media websites which might prejudice the trial of the man accused of killing her.

Tom Meagher made his plea yesterday just minutes after Adrian Ernest Bayley appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court accused of raping and murdering the 29-year-old Irishwoman before dumping her body in a shallow grave in a remote area.

Standing on the court’s steps, a composed Mr Meagher told reporters: “Despite the fact that this is the worst thing we’ll ever go through in our lives, I’ve been really humbled by the support from the Australian public, the fine efforts of police and all of the friends, family, who’ve put their lives on hold to help us out.