DPP set to appeal sex assault sentence

Rape crisis groups have welcomed the decision by the DPP to appeal the leniency of the sentence handed down to businessman Anthony Lyons for sexual assault which could see him free after four-and-a-half months.

Legal sources said the appeal could take over a year to be heard, although in some cases priority can be given for an earlier hearing.

Lyons, a 51-year-old married father, was sentenced to six years for sexually assaulting a woman, but five and a half were suspended.