Rapist complained to gardaí one hour after release

CONVICTED rapist Larry Murphy made a complaint to gardaí within an hour of his controversial release from prison over alleged harassment by the media.

It is understood Murphy spent over an hour at Coolock Garda Station complaining about a number of motorcyclists who trailed his taxi following his release from Arbour Hill jail at 10.15am.

He is understood to have subsequently headed in the direction of Dublin airport.

Murphy walked free a decade after the brutal multiple rape and attempted murder of a Carlow businesswoman.

Looking lean and pale, the 45-year-old left prison in a taxi as members of the public shouted “rapist” and “scumbag” at him. He made no comment.

Murphy managed to give the media the slip later in the day after being followed to Grafton Street.

Most public information on the convicted rapist’s whereabouts in recent hours has been from Facebook sites apparently tracking his movements. However, it is believed gardaí know where Murphy stayed last night.

The circumstances of his release have prompted a public outcry, with opposition parties criticising the handling of the case by the Department of Justice.

Speaking to TV3 last night the convicted criminal’s brother Thomas Murphy insisted his brother was no longer welcome by the family, and that the labelling of innocent siblings had turned them into “prisoners in our own homes”.

Fine Gael’s children’s spokesman Charlie Flanagan said “serious flaws” had been exposed in the Government’s thinking.

“With 1,100 registered sex offenders in Ireland, 100 of whom are being monitored on a consistent basis, it is difficult to believe that someone somewhere will not slip the net,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said: “The question of electronic monitoring of sex offenders is still being considered.

“The existing legislation allows the electronic monitoring of prisoners on temporary release and a tender competition has been completed for a pilot programme using GPS technology. However, it is not intended to release any sex offenders on temporary release for the purpose of the pilot programme.

“Consideration is being given to provisions which would allow electronic monitoring for a limited period of a sex offender who has completed his or her sentence. However, there are constitutional issues involved and it is unlikely that any such provision could apply to a person who has already been sentenced.”

That would rule out the possibility of offenders such as Murphy being tagged.

Sinn Féin held a meeting for residents in Grangecon, near Murphy’s home town of Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, last night.

There is speculation that Murphy may move overseas, while he must inform gardaí of a permanent address within the next seven days and will undergo monitoring of his movements.

The Labour Women group said measures such as evidence-based risk assessment and risk management needed to be introduced to boost public safety.