Courts / Sligo / Report
Sentence imposed on Patrick O'Brien for raping his daughter was too lenient, appeal court finds
Summary
Patrick O'Brien, aged 75, pleaded guilty to 16 rape and indecent assault charges committed between 1973 and 1982. The trial judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, sentenced him to 12 years' imprisonment, suspended the final nine years, and granted him bail pending appeal. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, found the sentence unduly lenient and ordered a review. The appeal was based on the argument that O'Brien's age alone should not mitigate his sentence and that there was insufficient evidence that his medical conditions made prison intolerable. The Court of Appeal will give reasons on 19 January and impose a new sentence on 26 January. O'Brien was present in court, assisted by a mobility aid, and his daughter Fiona Doyle attended with supporters.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentence imposed on Patrick O'Brien for raping his daughter was too lenient, appeal court finds. Charges or matters: 16 charges of rape and indecent assault at Mackintosh Park, Pottery Road in Dun Laoighaire from 1973 to 1982. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 19 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 26 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1973 to 1982 Incident
- 2014-12-17 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: 16 charges of rape and indecent assault at Mackintosh Park, Pottery Road in Dun Laoighaire from 1973 to 1982 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Patrick O'Brien (75) Photo: Collins) The prison sentence imposed on the father of well known abuse victim Fiona Doyle was "unduly lenient" the Court of Appeal has found. Mr Justice Carney, taking into account O'Brien's health problems, sentenced him to 12 years in prison, suspended the final nine and granted him continuing bail pending an appeal.
Places mentioned
- The prison
- Irish Prison
- Court of Appeal
- Supreme Court
- Mackintosh Park
- Pottery Road
- Carney
Topics
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