Sir, – Sickened is the only word I can use to describe my reaction to Mr Justice Carney’s suspension of nine years (of a 12-year-sentence) when sentencing 72-year-old serial rapist, Patrick O’Brien (Front page, January 22nd).
I am appalled that the justice system appears to give precedence to the current health of an elderly man, over the safety and well-being of a child. The fact that a child was systematically raped and sexually abused is seemingly extraneous to the sentencing process, merely because that child is now an adult. The age and health of the perpetrator appears to have been foremost in the mind of the court while granting the suspension and concomitant bail.
Whereas, the mental suffering that the victim, Ms Doyle, must have endured, and is no doubt still enduring following this week’s court case, has been ignored.
I am deeply disturbed and angered that Mr Justice Carney justifies his sentencing as “trying to strike a balance”. Indeed, I would ask Mr Justice Carney, what type of balance has been struck when a man, who has been found guilty of systematically raping his own daughter from a young age, over a period of 10 years, can walk out after her when she leaves the court?
The sentences handed down for rape in this country do no justice to the gravity of the crime and Minister for Justice Alan Shatter needs to address this issue urgently. This has also been highlighted by the Rape Crisis Centre and I’m sure many more voices will echo my discontent following this atrocious imitation of justice. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Regarding the report on the serial rape of Fiona Doyle by her father Patrick O’Brien (Front page, January 22nd), I find it incredible that he is out on bail. Here is a “man” who has admitted violating his very young daughter over a very long period, yet Mr Justice Paul Carney gives him only a three-year sentence (yes he got 12 years with nine suspended) and then lets him out on bail. Mr Justice Carney’s argument was that if he gave a very heavy sentence he would be seen as a judge that substituted one injustice for another.
I think Mr Justice Carney has substituted one injustice for another by not giving this awful “man” 20 years with none suspended (which would mean he would probably have spent the rest of his life in jail – where he belongs). Surely the only feelings that count are Ms Doyle’s; after all, she is the one doing the sentence – which must feel all the more difficult knowing her father is still walking around a free man. – Yours, etc,