CCA reserve judgement in O'Reilly appeal

Convicted murderer Joe O'Reilly will have to wait to the New Year before his appeal against his conviction for the murder of his wife Rachel at their home in The Naul, Co Dublin has been successful.

Yesterday the three Judge Court of Criminal Appeal reserved its judgment in an appeal brought by the 36-year-old against the conviction he received at the Central Criminal Court in July 2007.

In his appeal O'Reilly claims the trial was unsatisfactory and his conviction is unsafe.

O'Reilly, Lambay View, Baldarragh, The Naul, who had denied the charge against him was convicted unanimously by a jury of the murder of his 30-year-old wife at their home on October 4, 2004.

The couple had two children. He was jailed for life by Mr Justice Barry White.

Today following the conclusion of submissions from both counsel for O'Reilly's and the DPP the CCA comprised of the Chief Justice Mr Justice John Murray, sitting with Mr Justice Roderick Murphy and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said they were reserving judgment.

The court gave no indication when it would be in a position to give its decision, however as the courts break for the Christmas holidays tomorrow.

Judgment will most likely be given sometime after the courts resume on January 12.