Detectives are renewing their appeal for information into the murder of David O’Leary, who was shot in the chest and neck a year ago at his home at Lydden near Margate.

The businessman was murdered after a night out in Margate with his partner on March 1, 2008, and 12 months on police inquiries continue.

Det Ch Insp Maria Shepherd is heading up the police team. She said: "One year on is going to focus people’s minds and we are asking members of the public to think about any information they hold that they have not felt able to bring to us before now, for whatever reason.

"There are many lines of inquiry we have been looking at over the past year during an investigation that is extremely complex. What may be considered a small detail to an individual may be that missing piece. I hope that anyone who can help us will feel they can pick up the phone."

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

Speaking from Thailand, Mr O’Leary said: "Make no mistake. I don’t want justice, I want revenge. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I want this animal caged. But I have to say I am not satisfied with the police investigation and I do not think they will ever catch this killer. You have to be crawling around in the sewers to find killers in the dregs of society, and I don’t think they have done that.

"I have pleaded for the murder to be featured on the Crimewatch series but I am told it costs too much. Yet they feature petty crimes and credit card thefts, so why not David’s murder?

"My heart is broken but I will not be broken. I will never rest until the cockroach who killed my son is burning in hell for eternity. My hate for him keeps me going. Every hour I curse him and anyone who helps him. Cockroach, top yourself and get to hell. End your worthless life."

He spoke of the last moments of his son’s life. He said: "David had been to a club in Margate drinking. He went to another club and then went home. There was a man inside the house and he shot David in the chest and he fell backwards.

"The man told Emma [David O’Leary’s partner Emma Terry with whom he had three children] to lie on the floor, but she ran. There was a second shot that hit David in the neck."

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