Global News: Rapist Released Early, Public Outrage Follows

 Global news reports from Ireland indicate that there is considerable public rage in Ireland. On August 12, 2010, Irish news reports indicate that the early release of a rape convict, Larry Murphy, triggered public fury. Murphy, 45 years, has been released from Dublin’s Arbour Hill prison after serving 10½ years out of a 15 year prison term. Murphy’s case has drawn a lot of media and public attention. He was charged with rape and attempt to murder of a Carlow woman, in February 2000. Also, he has been linked with the disappearances of three other women in Ireland.  
Global News: Release of Sex Offender Should have been subject to Public Interest
 
As per global news reports, Murphy’s release has fueled several debates. The Rape Crisis Network Ireland stated that the release of the sex offender highlights the flaws in the country’s legal system. Further, all serious offender sentences should have pre-release risk assessment built into them, in public interest. The demand is that there should be a provision for detaining the high-risk likely reoffenders till it is proved that they do not pose any risk to the society.
 
Charlie Flanagan, the Fine Gael’s children spokesman, stated that Murphy has made no efforts to undertake the rehabilitation program in prison. Further, he said that the practice of granting remission to such offenders should be stopped. The locals of Baltinglass in Co Wicklow, where Murphy used to reside have shown safety concern. Their fear is that Murphy would move back to the area.
 
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said that the release was a cause of concern. However, the State authorities have considered the matter in detail. As per the stipulations of the Sex Offenders Act, the freed sex offenders must notify Gardaí (the police force of the Republic of Ireland) about their residence within seven days of their release. Also, they should inform about any change of address. In case they want to move overseas, they need to inform Gardaí about their address. Following this, the police service of that country is informed, by Gardaí. Failure on the part of the offender to do so would amount to a criminal offence.
 
Global News: Electronic Monitoring of Criminals Not a Part of Criminal Justice
 
There was reassurance from the Justice Minister that Murphy’s activities will be continuously monitored by the police officials of the area where he plans to reside. His updates will be recorded and sent to the Garda’s Sex Offenders Management and Intelligence Unit. The government will focus on public safety.
 
Global news reports also indicate that earlier, this year, Ahern has announced his intention to formulate a law requiring the post-release electronic tagging of sex offenders. However, the Ministry has affirmed that the stipulations of the Criminal Justice Act do not permit for electronic monitoring of criminals who have completed their term.