DPP to appeal rape sentence leniency

The Director of Public Prosecutions is to appeal the sentence handed down to Patrick O’Brien, who sexually assaulted his daughter…

The Director of Public Prosecutions is to appeal the sentence handed down to Patrick O’Brien, who sexually assaulted his daughter for 10 years.

The DPP has lodged appeal papers in the office of the Court of Criminal Appeal regarding the case, the Court Service said today. The application is "undue leniency" of sentence, it said.

Last month, Mr O'Brien (72) received a 12-year sentence with nine years suspended for the continued sexual assault of his daughter, Fiona Doyle.

The DPP will appeal the sentence's leniency, which was decided by Judge Paul Carney. Mr O'Brien did not appeal the sentence.

Speaking on Today with Pat Kenny on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Ms Doyle said she hoped her father's sentence would be increased.

She said her father would probably not survive the full term in jail, as he is in poor health. However, she said he will get a taste of the isolation and fear she had as a child.

"I was so desperate to have it recognised that I was telling the truth," Ms Doyle added.

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She also claimed her mother had failed to protect her from her father's abuse. When asked Ms Doyle whether she was tempted to bring her mother to court, she said: "Those doors are not closed yet. I'm hoping to do something."