Tiger kidnapper alleges he was 'sexually abused' by psychologist while in prison

Paschal Kelly carried out the 2014 kidnapping of Dublin postmistress Susan Lawlor and her daughter and her daughter’s friend, subsequent to which around €80,000 was stolen from the post office in question. Picture: Padraig O'Reilly

A career criminal is suing the Irish Prison Service (IPS), alleging that he was “sexually abused” by a psychologist who had been tasked with counselling him.

Paschal Kelly, a 58-year-old inmate of Wheatfield Prison with 60 previous convictions, is currently serving an 18-year sentence imposed in 2019 for carrying out a ‘tiger’ kidnapping.

He carried out the 2014 kidnapping of Dublin postmistress Susan Lawlor and her daughter and her daughter’s friend, subsequent to which around €80,000 was stolen from the post office in question.

He has now filed suit in the High Court against parties, including the Irish Prison Service and the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.

Kelly is represented by Belfast-based human rights solicitors Phoenix Law in the action. He alleges that the female psychologist in question held one-on-one counselling sessions with him over an 18-month period several years ago with a view to treating his own claims of mental health issues.

Kelly alleges that the prison psychologist told him she loved him, hugged and kissed him and engaged in sexual acts with him. He alleges the acts were non-consensual.

It is further alleged that the psychologist gave personal letters and photographs, and sent electronic messages via social media, to Kelly, including some photographs of herself naked.

It is also alleged that the psychologist attempted to call Kelly by a ‘burner’ phone, and if she received no contact from him would attend his cell to speak with him.

The case, lodged last week, alleges that the abuse continued until another employee of the prison observed the psychologist and prisoner engaged in a sexual act.

Soon after, Kelly was briefly transferred to Cork Prison for a matter of weeks, before being returned to Wheatfield, where he remains.

Wheatfield prison in Dublin. Paschal Kelly was briefly transferred to Cork Prison for a matter of weeks, before being returned to Wheatfield, where he remains. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It is understood the psychologist is no longer employed within the IPS. It is believed that a complaint regarding the psychologist’s behaviour was lodged with gardaí by Kelly after his transfer to Cork.

A spokesperson for the IPS said it “does not comment on matters relating to individual staff or prisoners”.

Phoenix Law declined to comment.

Kelly alleges he sought further psychological treatment for the abuse he alleges he suffered via the psychologist, and was refused, only for that stance to be reversed when he commenced litigation on the matter.

It is understood that Kelly's case includes at least one professional assessment endorsing the credibility of his claim.

Kelly is seeking damages for personal injuries, particularly psychological injuries, and for breach of his constitutional personal rights as a result of the “breach of trust” the alleged abuse comprised.

A notorious gangland figure, Kelly had 60 previous convictions at the time of his 2018 trial for the kidnapping, including for assaults, absconding from custody, robbery and other offences.

He previously served 10 years for a post office robbery in 1997 and another four for a robbery in 1989.

In 2014 his then principal residence at Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan was sold by the Criminal Assets Bureau, with Kelly subsequently jailed for four years in 2015 for tax evasion and threatening to kill a CAB officer.