Press Release: The DRCC welcomes DPP’s decision

The DRCC welcomes the DPP’s decision to  appeal the sentence handed down toPatrick O’Brien, convicted rapist and child abuser of his daughter.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive of DRCC said: “Fiona Doyle’s name is now familiar to us all but in particular to victims of childhood sexual abuse. Her courage and generosity of waiving her right to anonymity to encourage others to stay the course of the criminal justice system, has  given other victims hope of justice and courage for them to report the heinous crimes committed against them. Perpetrators of these crimes have acted with impunity for far too long and this has to stop. Fiona Doyle’s courage and actions  will have far reaching positive affects for all of Irish society and we owe her a great debt of gratitude.

For her, the amount of time served by her father mattered. The 12 year sentence handed down by Justice Paul Carney indicated the seriousness of the crimes committed against her as a child,  however having 9 years suspended was very upsetting for Fiona Doyle and not an encouraging message for others who had similar experiences.

The DPP’s decision to appeal the sentence to the Court of Criminal Appeal is a very positive decision for other victims. It will also have far reaching positive affects  for the safety of Irish Society. It sends a message to perpetrators of these crimes that they will be punished appropriately.”            

ENDS

For further information please contact:Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC                        01 6614911 / 086 809 9618