Michael Gaine murder suspect makes complaint to Garda Ombudsman over interviews by gardaí

Michael Kelley: His complaint centres around interviews that took place between him and investigating gardaí last month, according to a source. Picture: Domnick Walsh

A man who has admitted to being a suspect in the investigation into Michael Gaine’s murder in Kerry has lodged a complaint to the Garda Ombudsman's office. 

Michael Kelley lodged the complaint with Fiosrú, formerly known as the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc), about two weeks ago.

According to a source, his complaint centres around interviews that took place between him and investigating gardaí last month.

In a newspaper interview, the 56-year-old American — who lived on Mr Gaine's farm for three years — openly criticised detectives.

Mr Kelley was arrested on May 18 after human tissue belonging to Mr Gaine was found at his farm near Moll’s Gap, Co Kerry.

A large queue outside Finnegan’s Funeral Home in Kenmare on Friday, as mourners gather to pay their respects to the late Michael Gaine. Picture: Dan Linehan

Although he was questioned at length in Killarney Garda Station, he was released without charge, but has since confirmed he was a suspect.

He denies any involvement in Mr Gaine’s death.

A local farm contractor, who has carried out work for the Gaine family for years, had been spreading slurry when the machinery  jammed and human tissue was found. 

The farm was sealed off and officially declared a murder scene.

The last sighting of Michael Gaine buying phone credit in Centra in Kenmare on March 20. 

After an extensive search, Mr Gaine’s dismembered body was found in one of his two slurry tanks on May 18.

The complaint to the Ombudsman comes as Mr Gaine’s  funeral is to be held at Holy Cross Church from 10.30am on Saturday.

Afterwards, his old rally car — restored by friends — will take part in a procession around Kenmare after his funeral.

Members of the Killarney and District Motor Club, who restored a Ford Escort Mk2 Mr Gaine once raced in, have organised the procession.

At the head of it will be the car, with an urn of ashes, going on a lap of the town accompanied by other rally drivers from around the country.

Initially, Mr Gaine’s disappearance on March 20 was treated by gardaí as a missing person's case, but was later upgraded to a murder probe.