Fugitive rapist - Judge should explain rape bail decision

THERE could hardly be a more poignant illustration than today’s front page rape report of the need for Ireland to embrace the principles of International Women’s Day.

In harrowing terms, it recounts the ordeal of a Limerick rape victim who has rightly criticised a senior judge because she now lives in fear due to his decision to grant bail to the man found guilty of raping her. As often happens, the perpetrator failed to turn up for sentence yesterday and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Every woman in Ireland will share the victim’s sense of disgust and frustration at the decision of Judge Paul Carney to free the culprit on bail. Nor is it the first time a judge has come in for criticism over the inconsistency of decisions in rape cases.