Courts / Dublin / Report

Bible-throwing rapist has appeal dismissed

Date
2024-02-22

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Murray, a convicted rapist and child abductor, lost an appeal against a disciplinary sanction imposed by the Governor of the Midlands Prison for throwing a bible at Judge Karen O'Connor during a sentencing hearing in July 2021. The sanction, which removed ordinary privileges for 40 days, was upheld by the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal agreed with the lower court that the Governor was lawfully entitled to discipline Murray under the 2007 Prison Rules Act, even though the incident occurred while he was in court custody. The Court of Appeal dismissed all but one of Murray's arguments, finding that the Governor's action was within jurisdiction. The Court also allowed an appeal concerning the High Court's refusal to recommend payment to legal representatives under the Legal Aid Custody Issue Scheme. Murray, aged 51, had previously been sentenced to 16 years for threats and harassment, and had earlier convictions for rape and sexual assault.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bible-throwing rapist has appeal dismissed. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

July 2021 Incident
August 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
2024-02-22 Publication

Case subjects

Michael Murray

Appellant

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; At that hearing, Murray was given a 16-year prison sentence for making threats to the barristers who had prosecuted him, and for harassing others involved in his trial. Murray (51) formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney in Co Dublin, was being sentenced in July 2021 after he was earlier found guilty by a jury at the Circuit Criminal Court of threatening to kill barristers Dominic McGinn SC and Tony McGillicuddy SC.

Midlands Prison

Applicant