ANTHONY MURPHY FROM CO WICKLOW RELEASED AFTER SERVING CONSECUTIVE SEX OFFENSE SENTENCES

In a recent development that has raised concerns within the community, Anthony Murphy, a man originally from Fr Redmond Park in Arklow, County Wicklow, has been released from prison after serving time for multiple serious sexual offenses. Murphy, now aged 46, was incarcerated following a series of heinous crimes committed over a span of several years, including assaults on an elderly woman and a teenage girl.

Murphy's criminal history dates back to July 2003 when he was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting an 85-year-old woman in her home located in Avoca, County Wicklow, on May 2, 2002. This attack left the elderly victim deeply traumatized and marked the beginning of Murphy’s lengthy and disturbing criminal record. Despite serving this sentence, Murphy's criminal activities did not cease, and he continued to pose a threat to the community.

While on bail related to the initial charge, Murphy committed another grave offense on February 25, 2003. He sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in Wicklow town, an attack that involved oral rape. During the court proceedings, Detective Garda John Foley described how Murphy approached the young girl, asking her where she might find a taxi. When she directed him to Main Street, Murphy blocked her path and attempted to persuade her that he meant no harm. However, he then forcibly took her behind a church, where he threatened her with violence if she did not comply. The girl managed to escape and raised the alarm, alerting authorities to the assault.

It is important to note that at the time of this second attack, Murphy was already on bail for the earlier assault on the elderly woman. His actions during this period demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others. The court heard that Murphy had called to the elderly woman's house and carried out his assault there, leaving her traumatised and distressed. The severity of his crimes led to significant sentencing.

In November 2005, Murphy was sentenced to an additional eight years in prison for the assault on the teenage girl, with the final year of this sentence suspended. His sentences for the two offenses were served consecutively, meaning he was in custody for a prolonged period. The court, presided over by Mr. Justice Paul Carney, also certified Murphy as a sex offender and mandated that he undergo five years of post-release supervision to monitor his behavior and prevent further offenses.

According to a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service, Murphy was released from Midlands Prison last Friday. While the prison authorities do not comment on individual cases, sources close to the service confirmed his release. It is understood that Murphy is now residing in temporary accommodation in Dublin, where he remains under the supervision of probation services. The authorities emphasized that Murphy was not released early but was held for the maximum duration of his sentence, with remission applied as per standard procedures.

Community members and advocacy groups continue to express concern over Murphy's release, given the nature of his crimes and the potential risk he poses. The case underscores ongoing debates about the management and supervision of sex offenders after their release from incarceration, especially those with a history of violent and predatory behavior.