A Central Criminal Court judge has demanded the apprehension of a convicted rapist who is suspected by gardaí to have left the jurisdiction after entering a guilty plea in July 2001.
Michael Christian Moran (24), Woodgrove, Tullow Road, Carlow pleaded guilty on July 24th, 2001 to raping a 27-year-old woman in a residential area of the town while she was walking home from a hen-party on July 18th, 1999.
His guilty plea came on the second day of his trial following legal argument in the absence of the jury. He had earlier denied the rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment of the woman.
Mr Justice Paul Carney had indicated in November last that he would consider a suspended sentence after receiving a letter from the accused's mother saying her son had been threatened by inmates of Arbour Hill prison.
Det Garda Frank Stevenson said he believed Moran had been in contact with his mother but when asked if she would tell him where he was, she said no.
Mr Justice Carney said any indications he had previously made in relation to the case were now gone because his offer had been "thrown back in his face". He directed that Moran was to be apprehended "as soon as possible".