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David O'Leary's father speaks out 10 years on from son's murder

By: Katie Davis

Published: 00:01, 28 February 2018

Updated: 12:33, 22 November 2022

A decade on from his son's murder, a father is still fighting relentlessly for answers.

Businessman David O'Leary was gunned down after a night our in Margate with his partner on March 1, 2008.

He was shot in the chest and neck at his home in Lydden.

David O'Leary was shot ten years ago

David's father, Daniel O'Leary, has campaigned tirelessly since his son's death to have the killer brought to justice - offering rewards, mounting a publicity campaign, appealing for help and even hiring private detectives.

He said: "It's every day of my life - the pain never goes away and will always be with me.

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"I wanted revenge for years but now I just want justice.

"I want the animal who did this to be caged.

"I have been on about it for 10 years now, it's all I ever talk about."

Mr O'Leary runs a second hand shop in Northdown Road, covered in newspaper cuttings surrounding David's death.

David's father Dan O'Leary

He also drives a pink van covered in David's picture and words such as "David O'Leary dead 10 years. No Crimewatch. No cold case. Nothing."

Now at 78-years-old, Mr O'Leary is questioning how long he can keep up the campaign.

"There won't be another 10 years," he said.

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"I plan on spending more time in Thailand. I want some happiness, for my own sanity."

Speaking shortly after his son's death, Mr O'Leary told of the last moment's of David's life.

He said: "David had been to a club in Margate drinking, went to another club then went home.

"There was a man inside the house and he shot David in the chest and he fell backwards.

"It's every day of my life - the pain never goes away and will always be with me." - Dan O'Leary

"There was another shot that hit David in the neck."

Police say the case is still very much active.

Detective Inspector Chris Greenstreet from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate’s cold case team said: "As the 10-year anniversary of the murder of David O'Leary approaches this week we continue to appeal for information into his death.

"Mr O’Leary, 31, received fatal injuries after he was shot at his home in Valley Road, Lydden, near Margate just before 2.45am on Saturday 1 March, 2008.

"He had just returned home from a night out in Broadstairs and Margate.

"We launched an investigation into his death, and regardless of the amount of time passed, we remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

"Over the years we have followed many lines of enquiry.

"It has been a complex investigation which has been regularly reviewed.

"The case is still open, we would like to hear from anyone with information who has not previously spoken to us.

"We believe someone has vital information as to what happened that night, and we ask that they use this anniversary as an opportunity to come forward."

Anyone who does have new information or details about Mr O’Leary’s death can contact Kent Police on 01634 884010 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

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