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New court to determine in December whether sentence handed down to rapist father Patrick O'Brien was too lenient

Summary

Patrick O'Brien, aged 74, pleaded guilty to 16 rape and indecent assault charges committed between 1973 and 1982 at Mackintosh Park, Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire. The trial judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, described the case as one of the worst abuse cases and, considering O'Brien's health, sentenced him to 12 years in prison, suspending the final nine years and granting bail pending appeal. The DPP has appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The State's application will be heard by the new Court of Appeal on 17 December, while O'Brien remains in prison serving the unsuspended portion of his sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: New court to determine in December whether sentence handed down to rapist father Patrick O'Brien was too lenient. Charges or matters: 16 charges of rape and indecent assault at Mackintosh Park, Pottery Road in Dun Laoghaire from 1973 to 1982. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• December 17 Hearing Or Sentence
• 1973 to 1982 Incident
• 2014-10-31 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report