Murder accused a pathological liar

Dec. 16, 2014, 1:07 a.m.

THE man who murdered his partner of 16 years was a pathological liar known as the Talented Mr Ripley, a court has heard.

Stuart Rattle. PICTURE: KATE HEALY/THE COURIER

THE man who murdered his partner of 16 years interior designer Stuart Rattle was a pathological liar known as the Talented Mr Ripley, a court has heard.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Gavin Silbert, SC, told the Supreme Court on Monday that Michael ONeill strangled Mr Rattle as an act of financial selfpreservation.

Mr Silbert said ONeill was trying to cover up for his incompetence, which had been threatening to bankrupt the interior designers business.

He said ONeill, 48, had told a cock and bull story to police for more than five hours after his arrest before confessing to having killed Mr Rattle on December 4

last year at the couples South Yarra apartment and setting fire to the property four days later to try to cover up the murder.

ONeill admitted having taken a saucepan from the kitchen about 6am and striking Mr Rattle, 53, over the head before wrapping a nylon dog lead around his neck.

Mr Rattle begged for his life as he was being strangled.

View post:
Murder accused a pathological liar