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Survivor hopes more victims will come forward after abuser's jail term is increased
Summary
Aoife Lynch, aged 22, spoke from home after the Court of Appeal increased her attacker Anthony Smith's sentence. Smith, 45, had originally been sentenced to five years' imprisonment with three suspended for sexual assault and exploitation of a 14‑year‑old girl. The appeal, prompted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, found the original sentence too lenient and overturned it, ruling that only two years of the headline term should have been suspended. Lynch said she was relieved the proceedings were over and hoped the ruling would encourage other victims to come forward. She urged more support for those who speak out and highlighted the stress and anxiety she and her family endured. The judge noted Lynch's vulnerability and Smith's predatory behaviour, while the prosecutor emphasised the undue leniency of the original sentence. Smith's counsel defended the original sentence as appropriate. The unnamed woman pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Survivor hopes more victims will come forward after abuser's jail term is increased. Charges or matters: one count of sexual assault, contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Act; one count of sexual exploitation, contrary to section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, and one count of sexual exploitation, contrary to section 3 of the same act. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 9 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-10-11 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: one count of sexual assault, contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Act; one count of sexual exploitation, contrary to section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, and one count of sexual exploitation, contrary to section 3 of the same act (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He had originally been sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with three suspended, after he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Act; one count of sexual exploitation, contrary to section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, and one count of sexual exploitation, contrary to section 3 of the same act. Today, the Court of Appeal agreed with the DPP and overturned the sentence imposed by Judge Patrick Quinn at Trim Circuit Criminal Court on March 9, ruling that only two years of the headline term should have been suspended.
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