Mother launches 'Francis' Law' campaign to end sentence reductions for rape

Georgina Tuohey launches Francis' Law to scrap automatic mitigation and remission after Offaly rapist's sentence cut, arguing justice system fails victims

Georgina Tuohey said her son Francis, who is autistic, was left ‘broken’ by his abuser Brendan Cornally. She believes that automatic sentence reduction should not be awarded to those found guilty of rape. Picture: Moya Nolan

A mother has launched a campaign for new legislation — called ‘Francis’ Law’, named after her son — to end the automatic reduction of sentences during mitigation in rape cases.

Mitigation covers a range of factors — from pleas of guilty to the rehabilitation of the perpetrator — which can considerably cut the final term handed down.