FIVE hundred people gathered at a public meeting to back an appeal campaign launched on behalf of a young jockey who was convicted of murdering a father of two.

The family of former Newcastle United hopeful Gary Walton, who was found dead near his home in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, in July last year, have already expressed horror that Christopher Martin McGrath plans to appeal against his life sentence.

Now friends, family and supporters of McGrath - known as Christie - have turned out in force to support the 23-year-old who now claims he did not murder Mr Walton.

Among the supporters at the meeting in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland, the home town of the jump jockey, were champion jockey Richard Guest and Paddy Hill, one of the Birmingham Six.

McGrath's brother Larry said about Friday night's meeting: "The turnout has been unbelievable. Things went very well.''

Mr McGrath said that Guest, who rode the County Durham winner in this year's Grand National, was 100 per cent behind the Justice for Christie McGrath Campaign.

He said: "It is great because he understands the situation and what is going on. We have also got support from the likes of the Birmingham Six.''

An appeal was launched in March when the McGrath family approached London lawyer Gareth Pierce to take the case.

McGrath was sentenced to life after pleading guilty to murder at Teesside Crown Court. He had changed his plea on the eve of the trial from one of not guilty.

When told in March of McGrath's planned bid for freedom, Mr Walton's family said the news was horrendous. At the time, his wife Susan, 32, said: "We just cannot believe it. I don't think words can explain how we are feeling.''

Mr Walton's sister, Sharon Caton, 34, had said: "He just can't get let off with this. We are just devastated.''

Gary Walton was a former player for Newcastle United juniors and reserves, once winning the Golden Boot for scoring 39 goals