Family of man killed by partner call for Olesja Hertova to be deported after her release from prison

From left: Lynn , Ellie, and Karen Ryan, daughters of the late James Ryan: 'She will leave prison and regain her freedom. We deserve the right to feel safe too.'

The woman jailed over the death of James 'Shey' Ryan is due to be released from prison next week — less than two years after his death.

Olesja Hertova was sentenced to two years and nine months in the Dóchas Women’s Prison in Dublin after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of her partner of 17 years.

The sentence, handed down last year, was backdated to August 27, 2024, when she went into custody.

At the time, Judge Martin Nolan said the mother of one had lost her temper and pushed Mr Ryan forcefully, causing him to fall and suffer catastrophic head injuries. 

CCTV footage shown to the court captured her running towards Mr Ryan outside their home in Balbriggan, north Dublin, and knocking him to the ground.

The court heard he struck his head and was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he later died.

Judge Nolan said he had no doubt Hertova did not intend to kill him, but described the push as a reckless act which carried the risk of causing serious injury.

Her release has reopened the issue for Mr Ryan’s family, who have strongly criticised the sentence and are now calling the mother of one, who is originally from the Czech Republic, to be deported following her release.

The family have also previously spoken publicly about their concerns over the circumstances surrounding Mr Ryan’s death.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Ryan's daughter Karen said: “We wrote to the minister (for justice), who advised us to contact the Prison Victim Liaison Officer [VLO].

Olesja Hertova is due to be released from prison next week.

“We did previously, but the VLO’s role is limited to dealing with inmates. Our original request to the minister was specifically about support around deportation, not support for our family while she remains in prison.

My dad’s killer being released is not the end of this for our family. Her short sentence ends, but our concerns about our safety do not.

She said the family now had to face the reality of Hertova returning to the community and potentially trying to re-enter their lives or those of other families. 

"Completing a prison sentence does not automatically make victims’ families feel safe or protected," she said.

“That responsibility has now fallen on myself and [her sister] Lynn. I will not take any chances when it comes to protecting [Mr Ryan's youngest daughter] Ellie or my family. This is about protection, safety and our right to live without fear.

“She will leave prison and regain her freedom. We deserve the right to feel safe too.” 

A Department of Justice spokesperson said "The department does not comment on individual cases".