McDowell treatment of murder victim’s family criticised by PD colleague

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell’s treatment of the family of murdered hotel trainee manager Gráinne Dillon came under fire from one of his Progressive Democrats colleagues yesterday.

The family of the 24-year-old hotel worker only learned through the media that her killer’s appeal for transfer to a jail in his native Portugal is being actively considered by the minister.

Paolo Alexander Nascimento, who was given a mandatory sentence for Ms Dillon’s murder, wants to serve out his term in a prison in his home country. Mr McDowell has applied to the Central Criminal Court in Dublin for a transcript of the trial for use in his deliberations.

PD Senator John Minihan said yesterday the Cork family deserved better treatment and should be kept up to date on the negotiations. “I think it is unacceptable that the family should learn from the media that the Minister for Justice has sought a transcript of the trial proceedings to help in making a decision,” he said.

Calling on Seanad leader Mary O’Rourke to use her powers to officially raise the issue with Mr McDowell, Senator Minihan said the family should be kept fully informed, rather than learning of developments through the media.

“Victims do not cease to become victims overnight; they remain victims,” the Cork North-Central senator said. Responding to the appeal, Senator O’Rourke vowed to take up the matter with Mr McDowell’s office.

Under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act, non-nationals can apply to serve sentences in their native country. The sentence is then converted into the legislation of the country of origin. Mr Nascimento, aged 28, and a former member of the Portuguese army, was working as a night porter in Jurys Inn, Limerick, when he shot the Cork woman three times and left her bleed to death, as he robbed €3,000 from the hotel. Given a mandatory life sentence in March 2003 after pleading guilty to the January 2002 murder, Mr Nascimento then applied to the Minister for Justice for a transfer in August 2003.

Despite personal assurances from the minister, the Dillon family says it has learned of all developments through the media.