Man in Listowel sex assault case due for release

A convicted sex offender embraced by neighbours and friends — including a priest — prior to sentencing is due for release today.

The controversial manner in which members of his community supported Danny Foley, aged 39, from Meen, Listowel, Co Kerry, as he awaited sentence for sexually assaulting a woman, having previously been found guilty, sent shock waves around the country at the time.

As he sat in the dock at the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee in Dec 2009, a group of 50 people, mainly men, trooped into the courtroom and marched up to the accused, in single file. Each man shook his hand, some hugged him, with tears in their eyes.