Man charged with Australian girl’s murder

Man charged with Australian girl’s murder


Anton McNulty
antonmcnulty@mayonews.ie

A 47-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 22-year-old Australian woman whose grandfather was a native of Achill.
Sarah Cafferkey’s body was discovered by Australian police on November 18 in a suburb of Melbourne following a high-profile search after she was reported missing on November 12. Ms Cafferkey’s grandfather, John Cafferkey was a native of Cashel on Achill Island. He emigrated to Australia with his family 40 years ago.
At her funeral service held at the weekend, her father Adrian told the congregation in her home town of Bacchus Marsh, 50km north of Melbourne, that no parent should have to endure the funeral of their child.
“This is all wrong. We all know this is wrong on so many levels,” he said. “Today we are gathered to honour and celebrate a life ended too soon.
The death of Ms Cafferkey shocked her relations in Achill who expressed their devastation at the news of her murder. They said their thoughts and prayers were for Adrian and all the family in Australia. Prayers for Ms Cafferkey were said at Masses throughout the parish over the weekend.
Steven James Hunter appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court last week charged with Ms Cafferkey’s murder. He was arrested two days after the discovery of her body.

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