Judge: Lack of DPP explanation ‘hurtful for family’

A High Court judge yesterday said it was extremely hurtful to the family of a brother and sister who were allegedly systematically abused by a neighbour when the DPP did not give a reason why a decision not to prosecute was made.

Mr Justice Michael Moriarty made his comments as he awarded the brother and sister a total of €350,000 damages for the abuse at the hands of their next-door neighbour when they were still at primary school.

Stressing that he was not making observations behind the DPP’s back, Mr Justice Moriarty said there was no doubt from the evidence the pair and their family were demoralised and bewildered when it was indicated no prosecution was to be brought and, according to practice, no reason was given.