Meagher suspect attempts suicide

Jill Meagher’s accused killer was recovering in hospital after severely injuring himself while on remand at a maximum-security prison.

According to a Herald Sun report, Adrian Ernest Bayley, 41, had surgery during the day after injuring himself in what was thought to have been an attempt to take his own life.

Mr Bayley was rushed to Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital’s secure unit after being found bleeding, and required surgery for extensive wounds.

An Australian department of justice spokesman confirmed that an inmate had been taken to hospital suffering what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries, but would not reveal the identity of the prisoner or extent of his injuries.

Mr Bayley, of Coburg, was charged with the rape and murder of the Irishwoman after she disappeared while walking home from a night out with friends in Brunswick on Sep 22.

The media worker’s body was found in a shallow roadside grave beside Black Hill Rd on Sep 28.

Her death sent shockwaves through Australia and Ireland, resulting in unprecedented displays of public grief.

Meanwhile, Ms Meagher’s friends met at the Brunswick Green hotel to mark the 30th birthday she never had the chance to celebrate.

Ms Meagher had planned a birthday party for herself at one of her favourite local pubs. Many of the ABC employee’s closest friends still attended the event to honour her.

Her parents Edith and George McKeon, brother Michael, and her husband Tom did not go. Mr Meagher has travelled home to Ireland.

Ms Meagher’s friends and family in Ireland have also marked the birthday with drinks in her honour.

More than 79,960 people have posted tributes on the official RIP Jill Meagher Facebook site.

From the 2,800 birthday messages left on the page, it is clear that Ms Meagher’s death has continued to affect many people.

“Happy birthday Jill. You would be having a great day, seeing how loved you are here on earth. I feel for your hubby, friends and family as they would be missing you badly today, no doubt they will have a few drinks in your honour and tell the best Jill stories,” one woman wrote.