Teen rapist freed 'as cost-cutting measure'

THE teenage ringleader of a savage gang rape had been released from prison early as a cost-saving measure, it has been claimed.

The 16-year-old from Limerick directed the appalling gang rape in Cratloe Woods, Co Clare, just weeks after his early release.

Last week, he was jailed for 10 years at the Central Criminal Court for his part in the horrific crime.

A senior legal source claimed today that his early release from Limerick Prison was directly linked to cost-savings.

"He required special attention in prison and had to be segregated. It was just costing too much. The Department of Justice just didn't want him and let him out as soon as they could," said the legal source, who has previously dealt with the case.

At his sentencing last week, the court heard that he came from a dysfunctional family and was deeply psychologically disturbed.

Shortly after his return to Limerick from a young offenders' institute in Dublin, the teenager was convicted for assault causing serious harm and aggravated burglary and was sent to Limerick Prison.

However, he was released from there on New Year's Eve without the knowledge of the Probation Service and weeks later he directed the gang rape in Cratloe Woods.

His early release from prison was today described as "scandalous and appalling" by former Justice Minister Michael Noonan.

"When the courts sentence somebody they must accept their obligations and maintain these young offenders in care or custody.

"The people of Limerick cannot be expected to put up with a situation where the Department of Education considers an offender to be too unruly to be maintained in its care and the Department of Justice let him out on early release," said Mr Noonan.