Lloyd Rayney has spoken at length publicly for the first time about the disproved murder allegations that left him "without a private personal life" and apparently saw him taunted in public by teenagers.
In a much-hyped Perth-produced documentary which aired on Channel Seven on Thursday night, Mr Rayney made a tearful plea to authorities to find the killer of his wife Corryn.
After one of the most high-profile trials in WA's history, Mr Rayney was found not guilty in November 2012 of his wife's murder. Corryn Rayney had disappeared after a boot-scooting class on August 7, 2007.
Her body was found buried in Kings Park nine days later.
In the documentary, Mr Rayney said the impact of being named by police as the "prime suspect" in Corryn Rayney's murder was "felt by me in every way imaginable".
"Seven years on, the impact is still there," Mr Rayney said.
"Professionally, my work dried up. I no longer had a private personal life."
It's understood a defamation writ filed on behalf of Mr Rayney is pending and that WA Police declined an invitation to take part in the production.
The documentary detailed allegations of suspect evidence, that police had unfairly targeted Mr Rayney and possible killers on the loose – as well as suggestions of a trial by media as part of an ongoing "nightmare".
Similarities to the Lindy Chamberlain case were suggested in a reenactment of court proceedings.
"19 out of 20 West Australians still believe Lloyd Rayney is guilty," journalist and author Bret Christian said.
Social media ran the full gamut of reactions after and during the documentary's screening, with some viewers saying they regarded the show as a "publicity stunt" and others tweeting in support of Mr Rayney.
"
@FeltonKim: Lloyd Rayney
#notguilty" I don't want to be media swayed but I'm tending to agree. — Gemma Felton (@GemFelts)
August 21, 2014
Lloyd Rayney, you're innocent and we know it.
#thelloydrayneystory — San (@sanran100)
August 21, 2014
#lloydrayney Well that confirmed my beliefs I followed the case closely I never doubted RAYNEY ANOTHER prosecution disaster — Glynn Moore (@GlynnMoore)
August 21, 2014
Mr Rayney said he had been menaced by teenagers in a department store, and had heard groups of people screaming "murderer" out the front of the Como home he shared with his daughters.
He said he would "find it very hard to forgive" the police officers who he claimed "stuffed up" the murder investigation.
"They owed it to [Corryn] to get it right… they owed it to my children," Mr Rayney said.
Former detective Robin Napper, who assisted with Mr Rayney's defence, broke down the prosecution's case, which largely relied on circumstantial evidence.
Both Mr Napper and Mr Rayney called for a cold case review of the murder, which they said should include a closer look at two men who lived nearby.
A cigarette butt found outside the Rayney residence contained DNA later matched to one of the men.
Mr Rayney expressed hope the case could one day be solved, provided that "new blood" and "people with sufficient experience" were in charge of the investigation.
"Life throws adversities that you can't see coming," he said.
"I do think that we're a strong family, we've held together for this long and we will continue to do so."
A state appeal against Mr Rayney's acquital was dismissed in September 2013.
Attorney-General Michael Mischin said he had "not been presented with anything that requires action" with regards to the Rayney case and that any new investigation would be "primarily a matter for police".
"If Mr Rayney wishes me to take some action in respect of the investigation of his wife's murder in my capacity as the state's first law officer, I shall consider the request on its merits and take such action as seems appropriate and available to me," Mr Mischin said.
"I have received no such request to date."
