The DRCC commends and thanks the Victims of Tony Walsh for staying the long judicial course and getting Justice for themselves and saving Children from Further Abuse

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) welcomes the sentences handed down to Tony Walsh for the heinous crimes he committed against young children, but concurs with one of Walsh’s victims, who felt that while the sentences were “just and fair” they should have run consecutively and not concurrently.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC said “The victims of Tony Walsh had to endure delay after delay which Walsh and his legal team employed to seek to quash the charges against him and postpone the trial. However because they stayed with the judicial process, even though there had to have been times when they might have understandably given up, this predatory paedophile is now getting his just punishment and other children are safe. Their courage, their tenacity, their bravery are to be commended and as a society we are extremely grateful to them as we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. Thankfully the victims have got justice, but at a huge price.

Surely we need to look at ways of redressing the imbalance that has grown in the justice system in cases of rape and sexual abuse, so that the victims/complainants aren’t further victimised and treated as if they are the ones on trial.

The conclusion of this case now clears the way for the final Chapter of the Murphy Report, Chapter 19, to be published. We would call for this chapter to be published as soon as possible so that the victims and their families can get on with their lives. We are very aware that there may be other victims of Tony Walsh who never came forward in the past and whose memories may be triggered once again by the current publicity.

The National 24 hour helpline for victims of rape and sexual abuse 1 800 77 88 88 always has a trained person at the end of the line and we would urge people to call this number and avail of the help that is at the end of the line.”

For further information please contact:
Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, CEO – 01 661 4911 / 086 809 9618