'Spike' in calls to Rape Crisis Centre after Doyle judgement
The Rape Crisis Network is reporting a spike in calls to their service after a rapist in his 70s was freed on bail this week, having been convicted of abusing his daughter.
Patrick O'Brien, 72, of Old Court Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow, was jailed for 12 years, with nine suspended, after admitting raping his daughter Fiona Doyle in the 70s and 80s.
Mr Justice Paul Carney released Mr O'Brien on bail giving consideration to the age and ill-health of Mr O'Brien.
O'Brien raped his daughter so often it became for her "as frequent as having dinner", the trial heard.
Yesterday, the Taoiseach said he hopes the Court of Criminal Appeal will deal quickly with the case.
The court's decision has caused outrage.
Sisters Joyce, June and Paula Kavanagh are abuse survivors from Dublin - they say they feel massive sympathy for the victim, Fiona Doyle who suffered at the hands of the system.
"The devastation, I suppose is what hit… you know, standing on the steps crying," Joyce Kavanagh told Newstalk radio.
"This disbelief that this could happen - somebody goes into court, pleads guilty, is found guilty, and then walks out of court.
"I know there was consideration for his age, which I think is ridiculous, and consideration for his health.
"There was no consdiration for her health, and her age."
Daughter 'devastated' after rapist father released on bail
