Labour TD 'deeply regrets' writing letter on behalf of rapist's family

A Labour TD who wrote a letter to the judge hearing a rape case in Co Cork saying the accused was from a good family says she now accepts it was inappropriate for her to get involved.

Trevor Casey from Closes Road, Fairhill in Cork was sentenced on Friday to 13 years imprisonment for the rape and sexual assault of the two teenage sisters of his former girlfriend.

Deputy Kathleen Lynch's letter testified to the good character of Mr Casey's parents, and was presented to Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.

One of the sisters has since said she was hurt by the letter and that Deputy Lynch should be ashamed of herself.

In a statement issued today, Deputy Lynch says she deeply regrets if her actions added to the ordeal of the two victims.

She says she now accepts that it was inappropriate for a TD to become involved in a case of such seriousness.