Glasgow man jailed for killing partner over baby row

GLASGOW MAN JAILED FOR KILLING PARTNER OVER BABY ROW

Christopher O'Reilly, aged 48, was found guilty of the murder of his partner, Karen Gallagher, at her residence in Thornliebank, East Renfrewshire, following a heated argument about holding a baby.

In November 2010, he stabbed Ms Gallagher in the chest, resulting in her death.

Although he faced a murder charge, O'Reilly admitted to culpable homicide due to diminished responsibility.

The High Court in Glasgow sentenced him to seven and a half years in prison, with an additional supervision period of four and a half years after serving his sentence.

Evidence presented in court detailed that on 23 November 2010, O'Reilly and Gallagher were visiting a friend when an incident occurred where O'Reilly was refused permission to hold a baby.

Later, he told a woman walking her dog that he had murdered Gallagher, stating, 'I have just murdered Karen.

I am not kidding,' as a knife slipped from his carrier bag.

He then cast the weapon into a nearby letterbox.

O'Reilly claimed he returned to his flat and found a man lying face down, maintaining his innocence regarding the death.

The murder weapon was identified as a bloodstained, large hunting knife.

The court also cited his mental health history, including a hospital admission six months prior.

Judge Lord Bannatyne highlighted the severity of the offense and expressed concern about the threat O'Reilly might pose to future partners, referencing previous convictions for violence.