Courts / Sligo / Report

Patrick O'Brien cannot be treated as a person for whom prison would be "impossible to tolerate", court finds

Summary

Patrick O'Brien, aged 75, was convicted of 16 counts of rape and indecent assault against his daughter Fiona Doyle between 1973 and 1982. The Central Criminal Court sentenced him to 12 years' imprisonment, suspending nine years, and granted bail pending appeal. The Court of Appeal later ruled the sentence unduly lenient, stating that ill or elderly defendants are not exempt from prison. O'Brien's health conditions—arthritis, heart disease, lung problems, and other ailments—were considered, but the court noted that prison care could match community care. The appeal will decide a new sentence while O'Brien remains in custody. The case highlights the court's stance that serious health issues do not preclude custodial punishment for severe offences. The unnamed 75-year-old pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Patrick O'Brien cannot be treated as a person for whom prison would be "impossible to tolerate", court finds. Charges or matters: 16 sample counts of rape and indecent assault committed against his daughter Ms Doyle at Mackintosh Park, Pottery Road in Dun Laoighaire between 1973 to 1982. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• 1973 to 1982 Incident
• 2015-01-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report