Murder suspect to face trial before Christmas

05/12/2006 - 11:22:29
Murder suspect Joe O’Reilly was today sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

The 35-year-old, who is accused of killing his wife Rachel at their north Dublin home two years ago, will appear at Dublin’s Four Courts before Christmas.

The book of evidence was served on Mr O’Reilly, who was dressed in a white shirt, striped tie, brown suede jacket and dark coloured trousers.

He sat at the back of the courtroom with his mother for 25 minutes before his case was called by Judge Cormac Dunne.

The district judge granted legal aid for his solicitor, Peter Mullen, one junior counsel and a senior counsel.

He also warned the defendant that if he was seeking a defence of an alibi he must, within 14 days, furnish the names and addresses of those people to the prosecution.

Mrs O’Reilly, a 30-year-old mother-of-two, was found dead at the couple’s home at Lambay View, Baldarragh, The Naul, Dublin, on October 4, 2004, by her mother.

Mr O’Reilly, who was arrested for her murder on October 20 this year, was remanded on continuing bail.