Convicted killer pleads guilty to killing vulnerable Govan Gran
Andrew Wallace attacked Julie Reilly at her flat in Glasgow's Govan last February
Last updated 4th Feb 2019
A convicted killer has admitted murdering a vulnerable woman then chopping up her body. Andrew Wallace attacked Julie Reilly at her flat in Glasgow's Govan last February.
The 47 year-old gran - who recently suffered a brain injury - had been reported missing by worried relatives who had not heard from her for weeks.
But, a murder hunt was launched last April following the gruesome discovery of body parts close to Julie's home.
Wallace was soon arrested after detectives stepped up the probe.
The 42 year-old thug was due to stand trial this week at the High Court in Glasgow.
But, his QC Ian Duguid told a hearing that Wallace now wanted to plead guilty to the murder of tragic Julie.
Wallace also admitted attempting to defeat the ends of justice by then dumping Julie's severed remains.
Prosecutor Richard Goddard confirmed: “Those pleas are accepted.”
Judge Lady Rae was told it was the second killing Wallace had committed.
He was just 15 when he was guilty of culpable homicide in 1992.
Wallace now faces life in jail when he returns to the dock later this month.
No further details on Julie's murder were revealed.
But, prosecutors state Wallace assaulted her “by means unknown” and did “inflict violence on her”.
The killing occurred at her home in the city's Shieldhall Road between February 6 and 15 last year.
Wallace then got rid of the body and tried to hide his involvement in the death over a near seven week period.
The charge states at a number of addresses he did “dismember” Julie and cut off her legs with a knife.
He then put the remains in plastic bags and suitcases before burying them at a property in nearby Drumoyne Drive.
Wallace also cleaned Julie's blood stained flat to try and wipe any evidence.
The sick killer went on to tell other people Julie had moved to a new home in Penilee.
Julie had last been seen on CCTV at an Aldi supermarket near her home last February 6.
She was then reported missing nine days later.
Julie had failed to show for several appointments and her family had last heard from her on Christmas.
Her mum Margaret Hanlon and sister Lynne Brace went on to make an emotional appeal for her return.
They said at the time: “We need you back here at home safe with us.”
But, events took a grim turn when body parts were found close to Julie's home.
It is believed two leg bones were discovered.
Wallace - a known criminal who also has a firearms conviction - was eventually arrested for murder.
Any link to Julie is expected to be revealed at the next court hearing.
His QC Mr Duguid said the previous culpable homicide charge had been on the grounds of “diminished responsibility”.
But, the advocate added: “I am not instructed or advance on his behalf that there is a psychiatric background to this murder.”
Wallace had also been accused of fraudulently claiming £368 of a woman's benefit money which was paid into Julie's bank account.
He faced other accusations of stealing £410 from Julie and using her bank card for £56 of goods from Asda and Lidl shops.
Lady Rae remanded Wallace in custody meantime.
Outside court, a woman who knew Julie described her as “quiet, but was always happy to see you”.
Mary McCarron met the gran through her organisation Mary's Angels, who provide food for the homeless in Glasgow each Saturday.
She said: “Julie had had a brain injury. She was vulnerable and would think everyone was her friend.''
Following Wallace's conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell, the senior investigating officer, said:
"Julie Reilly was a vulnerable woman with complex health issues and Wallace deliberately sought to achieve her friendship and trust with a cover of befriending and caring for her. It became clear during this complex investigation that his motives were far from this. We will never know precisely what happened to Julie in her final moments, but we do know, as has been shown today, she was murdered by Wallace. He dismembered her remains and without any thought for her or her family’s dignity, sought to conceal Julie in order to evade detection. This was a callous and cruel plan that failed.
"Today, I pay tribute to those that selflessly came forward and to the wider communities of Glasgow in whose areas these shocking events unfolded. Their support and patience with my officers exemplify real community spirit.
"I also need to pay tribute to the hundreds of police officers within Greater Glasgow, the Major Investigation Teams of our Specialist Crime Division, Specialist Search Officers within Police Scotland, Scottish Police Authority Forensic Science Support Services, law enforcement assistance from across the UK and many other partner agencies, who contributed to and enhanced the many aspects of this complex case bringing it to its conclusion in court today.
"All of the efforts in this case were made in support of Julie’s tremendously brave and dignified family, who have been supported by Police Scotland officers and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service throughout this ordeal. Their determination and trust have been truly humbling and a source of inspiration and to us all.
"Lastly, notwithstanding today’s outcome in court, we have yet to recover all of Julie’s remains to provide her with dignity she deserves and to allow her family to grieve properly.
"I'm appealing directly to anyone who may have knowledge of where Julie is to engage directly with me. This will allow me to find her and bring peace to her family."