The victims of a religious brother given the longest sentence for child sex abuse offences in the State have welcomed the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision to appeal a review date set for 18 months' time. James Kelly (74) - also known as Brother Ambrose - was handed down a 36-year sentence when he pleaded guilty in November at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to 18 sample counts of sexual assault at the Brothers of Charity home at Lota in Cork.
Judge A.G. Murphy said he had to record the indignation of society in jailing Kelly for 18 consecutive two-year terms but said he would review the sentence in 18 months and indicated he might release Kelly if reports were favourable.
But now the DPP has decided that 18 months is too short a term for Kelly and has initiated appeal proceedings. Gardai served the appeal papers on Kelly at Cork Prison just before Christmas.
Yesterday, Kelly's three victims in the case welcomed the DPP's decision to try and ensure a longer jail term for their abuser.
Mr Alan Carroll (48) said he was pleased as he felt that 18 months was too short a time to serve for the abuse committed. "I think it's a good thing - he should serve more than 18 months and have time to ponder the harm and hurt he did to us.
"I was happy when he got 36 years but I was very disappointed when it was explained he might be out in 18 months. I know he's now in his 70s but that doesn't excuse what he did."
Former Lota resident Mr Joe O'Driscoll (56) who told the court in November that he had twice attempted suicide as a result of his abuse at Lota, was equally adamant that Kelly should serve more than 18 months.
"Getting 18 months for what he did to us was too weak a sentence," he said.
The DPP's appeal was also welcomed by Kelly's third victim - a 47-year-old man who does not wish to be named - but who told the court in November that Kelly had made their lives hell and "hell should be returned to him". The 18 charges to which Kelly pleaded guilty were from a total of 72 counts of sexual assault perpetrated on the three victims over a period between 1956 and 1968.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that following the publicity surrounding the case, a number of other former residents of Lota - a home for orphans and boys with learning difficulties - have come forward with complaints of abuse.
Three more former residents have contacted the Garda and gardai plan to interview them and take formal statements later this month as part of their ongoing investigation into abuse at the home.
The Brothers of Charity - who apologised for any abuse committed and offered counselling services to anyone who may have suffered in Lota - have urged any former residents with complaints of abuse to come forward and contact the Garda.