A Galway man who was convicted of murdering an elderly woman more than 25 years ago has applied to have his appeal heard by the Supreme Court.
Michael Joseph Kelly (55 ) of Castleblaney, Ballinasloe, was convicted in March 1983 for the murder of 87-year-old Margaret Glynn at her home in Keeves, Ballinkore Bridge, Galway, on the night of November 14/15 1981.
Kelly lodged an appeal but it was dismissed by the Court of Criminal Appeal in February 2008. Earlier this week Kelly asked the CCA to refer his appeal to the Supreme Court on the grounds that a number of issues had been raised that have not been previously dealt with and which were of exceptional public importance. The CCA is currently reserving its decision on the matter.
The bodies of Mrs Glynn and her brother Martin had been removed from the house by firefighters. While Martin was found to have died of natural causes it was alleged that Mrs Glynn died of asphyxia due to manual strangulation. During his trial it was alleged that Kelly had strangled Mrs Glynn before setting fire to her bed. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison but was released on licence.
