FF Senator calls for re-opening of Christy McGrath case

Fianna Fáil Senator Mary White has called on the British authorities to reopen the case of an Irish jockey serving a life term in Britain for murder.

Tipperary man Christy McGrath was jailed for life in 2001 for murdering former Newcastle United footballer Gary Walton during a row outside a pub a year earlier.

He originally denied the charge of murder, but changed his plea to guilty on the eve of his trial.

He later said he thought he was pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Scores of politicians on both sides of the Irish Sea have expressed support for calls to allow Mr McGrath to mount an appeal.

Senator White, who was due to visit Mr McGrath in prison today, said there were many worrying aspects to the case, including a lack of forensic evidence and a number of inconsistencies.