The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast: Legal loophole leaves attack survivor in the dark over her assailant’s release

After surviving a brutal 2017 attack, Fi Bourke still has no legal right to know when her assailant is freed

The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast: How Laura Kenna never served a day in prison for attempted murder, with Ann Murphy

In January 2017, civil servant Fi Bourke was walking home from work when she was violently attacked by a stranger. The assault changed the course of her life.

Her attacker, Laura Kenna, who had a history of childhood abuse and substance misuse, told gardaí she would “finish her off” when her sentence had been served.

Kenna was found guilty but insane and committed to the Central Mental Hospital. Now, because of a legal loophole, Fi Bourke has no right to be informed when her attacker is released.

Irish Examiner reporter Ann Murphy joins The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast on today’s episode to discuss the case and its wider implications.