GAINE MURDER SUSPECT 'HIDING 'I'M NOT IRELAND'

They're afraid I'm going to run away but they also want to deport me' | Lost custody of kids after false 'witchcraft' claim about his ex-wife | 'I never killed anybody while serving in army... I quit over Gulf War'

- PAUL HEALY

THE self-confessed Michael Gaine murder suspect has declared he would have been charged if the Gardai had any evidence on him - and says he has no plans to leave Ireland.

Former US Army veteran Michael Kelley also admitted he is an "illegal immigrant" and claims he was "hiding underground" in this country for seven years before being thrown into the spotlight after the Kerry farmer's death.

In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Kelley spoke exclusively to The Star about:

How he lived under the radar and his love for Ireland.

Losing custody of his two children after a courtroom battle with his wife, after falsely claiming she was engaged in "witchcraft."

How he never killed anybody while serving as a soldier, and why he ultimately decided to quit the army over a US military attack on the Iraqis during the Gulf War.

And, how he now accepts the human remains found in the slurry tank are those of Michael Gaine after DNA confirmation.

Mr Kelley, who says he accepts he may be questioned by gardai again over Michael Gaine's murder, said that he believes if officers had any evidence, he'd be charged already.

"It seems to be as though they would have charged me already. So I have a hard time believing that they're going to charge me now," he said.

We also asked Mr Kelley if he had seen the emotional appeal put out by gardai of Mr Gaine's wife Janice pleading for anyone with information to come forward.

"Yes I did. I can't discuss it further. I can only confirm that I saw it please," he said.

Asked why he did not wish to elaborate he said: "Do you understand what I'm saying, my solicitor is my doctor and I'm following my doctor's orders."

Mr Kelley said he didn't want "to open up a can of worms" and said he would be "happy to discuss matters of record and matters of fact".