Media coverage of rapist created a ‘witch-hunt’

MEDIA coverage of convicted rapist Larry Murphy’s release from prison was the “most appalling sabotage” of his post-prison life and created a “witch-hunt” that caused deep anxiety among the public, the Irish Prison Chaplains report has claimed.

As part of a wider criticism of how prisoners are treated by newspapers, radio and television, the document said the “media circus” surrounding Mr Murphy’s August release “was both shameful and dangerous”.

In its most controversial statement, the annual report said officials leaking information on the released man’s whereabouts did not help to alert the public to a potential danger who failed to receive psychological rehabilitation while jailed.

Instead, it said the situation “maximised media intrusion” regarding his “resettlement” and “heightened the danger to his life, fuelling fear and anxiety among the public”.

Mr Murphy, 45, was released from Arbour Hill prison in August after serving 10-and-a-half years of a 15-year sentence for the abduction, rape and attempted murder of a young businesswoman.

For a time he was believed to be based in Courtmacsherry in west Cork.

His early release led to significant concern among the public and he has not been rehabilitated and is still a danger to women.