Campaigners criticise secrecy around identity of former TD who gave reference for sex offender

'Providing a character reference to reduce the sentence for someone convicted of a sexual crime is morally indefensible and shows an utter disregard for the harm caused to the victim.'

Daniel Ramamoorthy's (pictured) appeal against the severity of his sentence for the sexual exploitation of a teenager was rejected on Tuesday. pic: IrishPhotoDesk.ie

Campaigners against sexual violence have hit out at the secrecy surrounding the identity of a former TD who provided a character reference for a man convicted of sexually exploiting a 13-year-old child.

On Tuesday, former government adviser Daniel Ramamoorthy, aged 40, from Whitebarn Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin, who was convicted of the sexual exploitation of a teenager, saw his appeal against the severity of his sentence rejected.