The accused killer of Irish emigrant Jill Meagher has tried to take his own life and has been rushed to hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Adrian Bayly, 41, allegedly accosted Jill Meagher after she was returning home from a night with friends at a pub in a  Melbourne suburb. She was found days later raped and strangled.

Her case galvanized public opinion in Australia and 30,000 showed up for a march in her honor.

In Ireland thousands also showed up for a service. She was a native of Drogheda, County Louth and worked for a television station in Melbourne.

Bayly is said to be recovering in the hospital after his attempted suicide in which he “severely injured himself” according to media reports.