Courts / Dublin / Report

Sentencing of sex attacker Murphy adjourned after prison goes into lockdown

Date
2021-02-24

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin City

County
Dublin

Summary

Philip Murphy, 40, was scheduled for sentencing for two sexual assaults in Dublin in February 2016, but the hearing was adjourned to 16 April because Midlands Prison is in lockdown after Covid‑positive cases. Murphy had previously served a 10‑year sentence for false imprisonment and was extradited from the UK in 2020. He pleaded guilty to assaulting two women on Jervis Lane and O'Rahilly Parade, describing threats of death and sexual violence. CCTV and witness accounts detail the incidents, including a first victim who was chased by a passer‑by and a second who was pushed into a street and threatened. Murphy denied the offences during a Garda interview, claiming he had received psychological treatment and was no longer attracted to women. The judge noted a lengthy probation period would be required for any sentence. Victim impact statements highlighted lasting psychological harm and loss of confidence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sentencing of sex attacker Murphy adjourned after prison goes into lockdown. Charges or matters: two counts of sexually assaulting the two women at Jervis Lane and O'Rahilly Parade in Dublin on February 25, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

April 16 Adjournment
February 2016 Adjournment
February 25, 2016 Other
October 2017 Incident
July 2019 Incident
2021-02-24 Publication

Why: Credit: Collins) By Isabel Hayes and Sonya McLean The sentencing of sex attacker Philip Murphy for assaults on two women in Dublin city centre four years ago has been adjourned because the prison he is on remand in is currently in lockdown. CNI source report

Case subjects

Philip Murphy

Defendant

Charges: two counts of sexually assaulting the two women at Jervis Lane and O'Rahilly Parade in Dublin on February 25, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Murphy (40) was not produced from the Midlands Prison today and Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to April 16 next for sentence. She said it is likely that she will be imposing a custodial sentence so the adjournment should not impact Murphy.; Credit: Collins) By Isabel Hayes and Sonya McLean The sentencing of sex attacker Philip Murphy for assaults on two women in Dublin city centre four years ago has been adjourned because the prison he is on remand in is currently in lockdown.