Murphy walks free

Convicted rapist Larry Murphy has been released from Arbour Hill prison in Dublin.

The 45-year-old former carpenter from Baltinglass in Co Wicklow walked free from the facility shortly after 10am this morning.

Dressing in a black hooded sweatshirt and wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, he departed in a waiting taxi to an unknown destination.

A large media presence was outside the jail from early this morning, indicative of the public interest in the case and the fears his release have stoked. Murphy did not make any comment to the waiting crowd of reporters.

Gardaí were also on duty at the jail complex in north Dublin with the Garda helicopter circling overhead as the rapist left.

The taxi was also followed by three photographers on high-powered motorbikes and Garda officers in unmarked cars as it made off towards the Phoenix Park.

A handful of angry spectators gathered outside the prison and shouted “rapist”, “beast” and “f****** bastard” as the sex attacker was released.

One woman said she just wanted to see what Murphy looked like 10 years on.

“I can’t believe how cool and casual he was as he walked out,” she said.

“I didn’t think they’d let him out like that and just get in a car. I can’t believe a taxi took him away.

“I just hope they throw him in the Liffey.”

Murphy was released having served 10-and-a-half years of a 15-year sentence for the violent sexual assault and attempted murder of a businesswoman in February 2000.

Murphy, also linked to the disappearance of several young women in the 1990s, kidnapped his victim in Carlow before repeatedly raping her in the Wicklow mountains. Her ordeal ended when two local hunters came upon the scene in the remote Kinranelagh area. Recognising Murphy, they reported the incident to gardaí and he was subsequently arrested.

He is believed to have refused to undergo any rehabilitation during his prison term and because he was sentenced before the Sex Offenders Act was passed in 2001 he is not subject to a post-release supervision order.

He can't be tagged and has seven days before he is required to notify gardaí of his address.

Gardaí have however insisted that this activities will be closely monitored and a management plan has been put into place.

His family have insisted that he will not be coming to live with them in Baltinglass, with his brother Tom denying reports the rapist will be moving into his home.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said its national helpline was open on 1 800 77 88 88 for victims of rape or sexual abuse affected by the coverage of the case.

A public meeting will also be held in the west Wicklow village of Grangecon by Sinn Féin tonight, where locals residents will discuss with gardaí extending the community alert scheme in the area.