Rape Crisis Ireland calls for law change following offender release

Friday, 27th August, 2010

Following the release of serial sex offender Larry Murphy, who refused to undergo rehabilitation while in prison, Rape Crisis Ireland have called for more stringent assessment of offenders before release:

"This case clearly highlights the failures of our legal system when it comes to repeat or high risk offenders. We call on our legal system to make it the norm that serious offender sentences have Pre-Release Risk Assessment built in. Not all sex offenders are the same. Pre-release risk assessment means that sex offenders can be individually assessed for Reduction Of Harm. Reliable risk assessment can then inform what actions should be taken. In many cases, community based on-going supervision and treatment will be priorities. In cases like this, of a high risk likely repeat offender the option of remaining in custody until there is a demonstration of reduction in harm should be available to the authorities."