The Department of Justice is investigating a complaint by a probation officer that they were moved from their position after writing a “positive” report on Joe O’Reilly.
The Irish Mirror has learned the employee was “shocked” to be transferred to another civil service position just one week after submitting their work on the wife killer which is set to be examined by the Parole Board. Evil O’Reilly, 51, who battered his spouse Rachel Callaly to death in their home in Naul, Co Dublin, in October 2004, is currently being considered for parole for the third time – despite never admitting his crime.
Sources say the parole officer had not asked for a new position and was left stunned by the transfer. “All of their work with prisoners was immediately suspended, including not just Joe O’Reilly but also their work with sex offenders due for release in the next few months,” a source said.
Read more: Mother of murdered Rachel Callaly won't stop fighting to keep Joe O'Reilly behind bars
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Prison sources say that in the weeks before the officer was informed of the change in their position, they attended a case conference on O’Reilly and submitted a written report detailing how the infamous wife killer is now “cooperating”.
It is understood the probation officer stated in their report that O’Reilly – who has been behind bars for 17 years – was cooperative and willing to work further.
A source said: “O’Reilly was reported to be cooperative and the probation officer had mapped out a plan of future work they intended to do with him. It was the first positive report that had ever been given on JOR since he came to prison.”
Sources say the probation officer was told they were being transferred a week after submitting the report, which will ultimately be read by the Parole Board. Sources say the probation officer was left stunned by this and has now taken extended sick leave.
It is understood the Probation Service have denied any unusual reason in moving the officer, and have claimed the move was simply routine.
That claim allegedly led to the probation officer escalating their complaint to the Department of Justice, which is now investigating the matter. Asked for comment, the Probation Service stated: “The Probation Service does not comment on individual cases.
“However, generally speaking, the Probation Service routinely moves staff between posts, in both community and prisons settings, as part of the regular staff rotation that occurs within the organisation.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice meanwhile stated they cannot comment on individual cases. However, prison sources say the move was unprecedented and was out of the norm.
One added: “There is a belief that some are terrified at the thought that someone like Joe O’Reilly might be processing and that he may have to be considered for a move to an open prison or even release.”
The infamous killer, who is serving life in prison, was only caught after gardai were able to show his phone pinged near the scene of the murder in Naul when he had claimed he was at work.
This October marks 20 years since the killing which shocked the nation. Speaking to us earlier this year, Rachel’s mother Rose Callaly said she will never stop fighting to keep O’Reilly behind bars.
She said: “There will be no let-up. If I had my way he’d be in jail for the rest of his life and I think he would be getting off lightly then. At least he has a life and it’s more than he gave his wife. As long as I have life left in me I will fight to keep him in.”
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