Gilfoyle diaries referred to police watchdog

Jan 18 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

AN INDEPENDENT investigation could be held after a Wirral man convicted of murdering his wife claimed police held evidence which could have potentially helped free him.

Eddie Gilfoyle was jailed in 1993 for killing his eight months pregnant wife Paula, who was found hanged in the garage of their home in Upton.

It emerged last week that police were in possession of two of Mrs Gilfoyle’s personal diaries, which provided insight into her personality, for at least 17 years.

It is not known whether the diaries were found during the original investigation or in 1994 when police reviewed the inquiry.

Merseyside Police have now confirmed that they have themselves referred the matter regarding the disclosure of material to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A spokesperson for the force said: “It is important that we seek an independent investigation on this issue to make sure the people of Merseyside can continue to have confidence in how the force handles serious cases.”

Mr Gilfoyle, now 50, served 18 years in jail.