The solicitor representing Wayne O'Donoghue, who is to be released from prison this week, says his client would find it "extremely difficult" to remain in Ireland because of media intrusion and possible fears of retribution.
Mr O'Donoghue is to be released from the Midlands Prison this Wednesday having served three years of a four-year jail term for the manslaughter of Robert Holohan (11) from Midleton, Co Cork.
It is understood that if he does move overseas, it will be to relatively close destinations, such as Britain or mainland Europe, to allow him to remain in contact with his parents, Ray and Therese.
The former engineering student is said to have found life in prison extremely difficult.
Frank Buttimer told the Marian Finucaneshow on RTÉ Radio yesterday that he could not give any indication of O'Donoghue's plans because of client confidentiality. However, he maintained he would be facing in to a "huge amount of difficulties" should he make the decision to remain in his native country.
"I believe he will find it extremely difficult to live in this jurisdiction in the future. There are numerous reasons why - obviously we are discussing media intrusion etc. There is also the fear of retribution. There is also, because he is living in a relatively close proximity to the unfortunate Holohan family, the concern surrounding that."