Violent rapist Murphy seeks assistance of probation service

Rapist Larry Murphy is not believed to be staying in Cork currently, despite visiting the city at the weekend.

The sex offender has been the subject of intense anger since he was released from Arbour Hill prison after serving 10 and a half years of a 15-year sentence for the abduction, rape and attempted murder of a Carlow woman.

Due to the serious nature of the attack, gardaí suspected Murphy’s involvement in the disappearance of at least three women in the Leinster area, however he refused to co-operate with their investigation and no evidence was ever found linking him to the disappearances.

More than 20,000 people have signed up to a Facebook page calling on Murphy to be returned to jail, while a halfway house where he was believed to be staying was also the scene of an angry protest.

The 45-year-old travelled by train to Cork on Friday and spent three hours here before returning to Heuston. However, garda sources have said this morning he has not returned and is not staying in the region currently.

After arriving off the train from Cork at Heuston, he was once again met by waiting media and was the subject of angry comments from members of the public. Murphy sought refuge in Kevin Street Garda Station and while there asked for the help of a prison chaplain that he knew.

Murphy had initially refused to engage with the Probation Service but is now working with them and availing of some of their services, which include counselling.

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern had directed that the services be offered to him again following the reaction to his release and the Probation Services is believed to be now helping Murphy find accommodation. He must under law find a place to stay by Thursday and provide this address to gardaí.

It is understood Murphy is now staying in a secret location following his contact with the Probation Service.

He is being monitored by the garda’s National Surveillance Unit and plainclothes officers are following him constantly.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.