Onlookers shout abuse as accused brought into court

Up to 40 photographers, cameramen, reporters and bystanders were waiting outside Swords District Court yesterday morning for the arrival of Joe O'Reilly, who was to be charged with the murder of his wife.

Word had gone out some 20 minutes after his arrest that he was to be charged in court with the killing of Rachel O'Reilly, and representatives of virtually every media organisation in the country appeared outside the County Dublin courthouse to record the latest development in the two-year-old case.

The accused man arrived from Balbriggan Garda station in a van at approximately 11.30am. Dressed in a green fleece, navy tracksuit bottoms and dirty trainers, he was met by a wall of photographers, all pushing for the best angle.

There was a brief scuffle when onlookers moved forward to catch a glimpse of the accused man. Some shouted words of abuse as he was led inside the courthouse.

Reporters followed Mr O'Reilly inside, filling the courtroom and receiving a reprimand from Judge Patrick Brady, who said that people talking in the court would be removed, no matter who they were.

After two other cases were adjourned, Det Sgt Patrick Marry gave the court details of when and where the accused man was arrested and charged. The proceedings took no more than three minutes before the judge granted an application to remand him in custody.

Mr O'Reilly sat in the dock throughout the brief appearance without speaking. When he emerged, men and women in the crowd cursed at him as he was bundled into the van headed to Cloverhill Prison.