Rapist Takes Court Action Against Media (RTE News)

chin_grin

Sorry if this is here already. But this f*cker should have "rapist" carved in to his forehead Basterds-style.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0601/murraym.html

Rapist takes court action against media
watch Tuesday, 1 June 2010 14:12

A serial rapist has begun High Court proceedings aimed at preventing newspapers from publishing photographs of him and details of his address.

49-year-old Michael Murray, who raped four women over a six day period in 1995, says he has been harassed by the press since his release from prison last year.

He claims relentless media attention is interfering with his ability to take part in a rehabilitation programme and his chance to resume a normal life.
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He says he also had to leave his job as a voluntary worker at a hospital.

The High Court was told he was forced to leave a number of homes after media coverage identified his whereabouts.

He says he now moves between bed and breakfast accommodation and is regularly refused hotel accommodation in Dublin.

He is also seeking damages for mental distress and anguish due to interference with his right to privacy and his rights to maintain a permanent dwelling under the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

In court this morning, his lawyers outlined a series of articles from newspapers including the Star, Evening Herald, News of the World and the Sun.

The coverage began on the day he was released from prison and had continued, the court was told.

Paul O'Higgins said his client was convicted of an exceptionally serious series of rapes and sexual offences.

He said it goes without saying that he poses an abnormal risk to the community.

However he said there were procedures in place to reduce the risk to the community and not withstanding his truly appalling record he was entitled to expect some level of privacy.

In a sworn statement Mr Murray said uniformed gardaí called to his home as many as five times in one day and on one occasion were accompanied by a photographer.

He accused the gardaí of calling to his door as a 'ruse' to allow the photograph to be taken.

He also said he was repeatedly stopped on the street by uniformed gardaí and questioned in a confrontational manner on some occasions.

The court heard that during his 13-year prison sentence he attended counselling to deal with his offences and addiction problems.

After his release he joined a 'New Directions' programme for the rehabilitation of sex offenders.

The programmes had numerous conditions including a curfew and regular visits from probation officers and gardaí.

Hannibal Smith

he got a job as a voluntary worker in a hospital :eek:

KevinVonSpiel

Stick him on Rockall.

TPD

I dont think you can present much of a case for a right to a normal life when you've taken that right from four other people.

Sanjuro

Oh boo hoo. Maybe his victims can sue him for mental harrassment as I'm sure you don't get over a horrible crime like that very easily.

SadieSue

I don't understand, if the New Directions programme has a condition in which regular visits by the gardai are expected, why is he complaining about that?

Yakult

Wah wah wah..

Killer Pigeon

So not only are we not allowed to show depictions of Muhammad but we're also not allowed to show depictions of rapists too?

Jumpy

SadieSue wrote: »

I don't understand, if the New Directions programme has a condition in which regular visits by the gardai are expected, why is he complaining about that?

Because the gardai brought a press photographer with them.

Kess73

TPD wrote: »

I dont think you can present much of a case for a right to a normal life when you've taken that right from four other people.

Those four women were not the only people that animal harmed. He had form before that for sexual assault and also for exposing himself to children.

The most recent place he turned up to live was in Thurles, and the abode he got was extremely close to both schools.

SadieSue

Jumpy wrote: »

Because the gardai brought a press photographer with them.

That's true but I don't think they bring a photographer every time they go see him.

maxxie

He should be executed! What does a evil sick piece of **** like him have to contribute to society!

Hannibal Smith

Kess73 wrote: »

Those four women were not the only people that animal harmed. He had form before that for sexual assault and also for exposing himself to children.

they said on the news this morning that two of the women apparently said he tried to strangle them

axel rose

Poor guy, this man has every right to walk the streets and rape whoever he wants!

On a second note-I truely hope that I as a tax payer is paying his legal fees.




Actually he should do the country a favour and drop dead!!!

Kess73

Hannibal Smith wrote: »

they said on the news this morning that two of the women apparently said he tried to strangle them

Yeah pretty sure that attempted murder was one of the charges against him during the court case for his last four rapes.

Was a pretty big thread on here about him when he got released, and it was someone on here that highlighted the fact he was in Thurles and where there. The locals had no idea he was there by the school and the gardai had not informed locaqls of what was living amongst them.

Hannibal Smith

:rolleyes:

Kess73 wrote: »

Yeah pretty sure that attempted murder was one of the charges against him during the court case for his last four rapes.

Was a pretty big thread on here about him when he got released, and it was someone on here that highlighted the fact he was in Thurles and where there. The locals had no idea he was there by the school and the gardai had not informed locaqls of what was living amongst them.

Excellent, lets hope he continues to be tormented. Leaving near a school though, who put him there?

Fizman

Hannibal Smith wrote: »

he got a job as a voluntary worker in a hospital :eek:

This is the first thing that struck me! Jesus fcking christ, this country was definitely brought up reading Gullible's Travels.

Arkmar

What a sick and twisted individual. What I want to know is who is the Solicitor representing this rapist in the high court and are we paying for it. Do they not have a shred of moral fibre in their whole body that all they can see is €€€. Surely we are entitled to know where he lives and is hanging out, he's a convicted rapist for gods sake, where is our entitlement to protect ouselves & our children.

rovert

Rabble, rabble

Textbook AH here

General Zod

Arkmar wrote: »

What I want to know is who is the Solicitor representing this rapist in the high court and are we paying for it. Do they not have a shred of moral fibre in their whole body that all they can see is €€€. Surely we are entitled to know where he lives and is hanging out, he's a convicted rapist for gods sake, where is our entitlement to protect ouselves & our children.

Everyone is entitled to a solicitor. Welcome to the price of living in a democracy.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

Jumpy wrote: »

Because the gardai brought a press photographer with them.

Dubious actions by the quard in question there. How is this helping to enforce the law? And what did he hope to achieve from it

For me, this kind of thing puts journalism almost on a par with scumbags. REPORT the news, don't MAKE the news.

(ANd before any anti-liberal ****wits come on an ask "how would you feel if it was your sister" or accusing me of condoning rape, this IS NOT THE POINT OF THE POST and PLEASE answer the first two questions when you do).

aDeener

Ikky Poo2 wrote: »

Dubious actions by the quard in question there. How is this helping to enforce the law? And what did he hope to achieve from it

For me, this kind of thing puts journalism almost on a par with scumbags. REPORT the news, don't MAKE the news.

(ANd before any anti-liberal ****wits come on an ask "how would you feel if it was your sister" or accusing me of condoning rape, this IS NOT THE POINT OF THE POST and PLEASE answer the first two questions when you do).

no it doesn't, it doesn't even come close.

anyone who isnt a liberal is a ****wit now? come down off that horse of yours would ya :rolleyes:

starbelgrade

Round 'em up boys - we got ourselves a lynchin'.... yeeeeeehaaaaaay.

Hannibal Smith

Ikky Poo2 wrote: »

Dubious actions by the quard in question there. How is this helping to enforce the law? And what did he hope to achieve from it

For me, this kind of thing puts journalism almost on a par with scumbags. REPORT the news, don't MAKE the news.

(ANd before any anti-liberal ****wits come on an ask "how would you feel if it was your sister" or accusing me of condoning rape, this IS NOT THE POINT OF THE POST and PLEASE answer the first two questions when you do).

journalism on a par with scumbags for posting pictures of a convicted rapist?

anti-liberal ****wits?

me thinks you are trying to be inflammatory just to get a response

Fizman

rovert wrote: »

Rabble, rabble

Textbook AH here

You're right.

Actually we should let him continue to work in the hospital, so he can stay back late one night, lock several nurses into the canteen and rape them all until he's tired.



Is that better?

starbelgrade

Fizman wrote: »

You're right.

Actually we should let him continue to work in the hospital, so he can stay back late one night, lock several nurses into the canteen and rape them all until he's tired.



Is that better?

Sure just shoot him. No more chance of him re-offending after that. Any volunteers?

WindSock

Fizman wrote: »

You're right.

Actually we should let him continue to work in the hospital, so he can stay back late one night, lock several nurses into the canteen and rape them all until he's tired.

Is that better?

Have you not been to Coppers before? I think you are underestimating the power of a group of nurses, tbh

aDeener

Hannibal Smith wrote: »

journalism on a par with scumbags for posting pictures of a convicted rapist?

anti-liberal ****wits?

me thinks you are trying to be inflammatory just to get a response

there are people on here who genuinely think like that....

Feeona

He's done his time, and seems to be trying to re-align himself with society. The papers are just sh*t stirring to generate sales, they couldn't give two hoots about the women this man raped. If they did, they wouldn't be reminding the victims on a daily basis of their predator. Don't know about anyone else, but if I was raped, the last thing I'd want is constant reminders of the rapist!

Menengroth™

shoot the bastard

CreepingDeath

I vote for the "Clockwork Orange" solution.

Feeona

Yeah his eyes should be taped open so he can read the Daily Mail:p

reprazant

It would seem that AH is populated with the types of reactionary idiots who hang around outside court houses shouting "Hangings to good for em!" at any major trial!

He was caught, convicted and served his time. Once released, he should be allowed to live his life as normally as the Courts allow as long as he stays within the law.

If you it, petition your local elected representives to bring back corporal punishment and hangings. Maybe, bring in some sort of Sharia law to stop thieves and their like as well. Do something rather being pathetic keyboard warriors.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

aDeener wrote: »

no it doesn't, it doesn't even come close.

anyone who isnt a liberal is a ****wit now? come down off that horse of yours would ya :rolleyes:

Hannibal Smith wrote: »

journalism on a par with scumbags for posting pictures of a convicted rapist?

anti-liberal ****wits?

me thinks you are trying to be inflammatory just to get a response

I said on a par with scumbags, not on a par with rapists. What we have here is a case of a bunch of low-lifes tryign to use other people for their own personal gains. Scumbags? Or jouralists? Because I guarantee you, neither has the slightest carefor society.

Nothing to do with a high horse or anything. I should explain as I wasn't very clear. I did NOT say anyone who is anti-liberal is a ****wit. Also, anti liberal and not a liberal are two completely different things. Anti-liberal, from experience, usually means labelling me a liberal as if it was something bad and presenting no counter-arguement in responce. Not a liberal usually comes up with a decent argument. Quiet happy to enguage in inteeligent debate.

Regarding Mr Murray, I quiet like the Rockall suggestion. He can live whatever life he likes out there, he won't be harming anyone. But this isn't about him, it's about criminals suing journalists.

CrazyRabbit

Funny...

We give driving offenders a lot of 2nd chances.
We give drug users/suppliers a 2nd chance.
We give violent offenders a 2nd chance.
We give murderers a 2nd chance.

But if your crime is any kind of sexually assault, then it's out with the torches and pitchforks! Kill Kill Kill!!!

The entire justice system of most countries is based around punishing people for their crimes and then giving them a 2nd chance to be a productive member of society. This is because it is accepted that people can and do change their behaviour. With the right post-prison support, recidivism rates can be extremely low.

If you take away everything from a criminal, and leave them no chance of re-integrating into society, then then have nothing to lose and are much much more likely to reoffend. Give them counseling, support, a safe home, a job, friends etc and they have a lot more reasons to be good.

The media's prolonged interest in this guy greatly increases the chance that he will reoffend.

Recidivism rates for Ireland

• Violence (27%)
• Motoring (22%)
• Drugs (13%)
• Property (13%)
• Public order (10%)
• Sex crime (2%)

Reference:
(Source: http://www.coe.int/t/dg3/pompidou/Source/Activities/Justice/JohnnyConnollyspresentation_en.pdf )

aDeener

Ikky Poo2 wrote: »

I said on a par with scumbags, not on a par with rapists. What we have here is a case of a bunch of low-lifes tryign to use other people for their own personal gains. Scumbags? Or jouralists? Because I guarantee you, neither has the slightest carefor society.

Nothing to do with a high horse or anything. I should explain as I wasn't very clear. I did NOT say anyone who is anti-liberal is a ****wit. Also, anti liberal and not a liberal are two completely different things. Anti-liberal, from experience, usually means labelling me a liberal as if it was something bad and presenting no counter-arguement in responce. Not a liberal usually comes up with a decent argument. Quiet happy to enguage in inteeligent debate.

Regarding Mr Murray, I quiet like the Rockall suggestion. He can live whatever life he likes out there, he won't be harming anyone. But this isn't about him, it's about criminals suing journalists.

but rapists are scumbags.... or are they not in your eyes?

melekalikimaka

he has a valid case, no doubt he'll win... this form of reporting is unethical and needs to be stamped out...I dont condone what he did, but coming from a photojournalist course in college, this sort of thing comes up, its a disgrace, red tops should be all banned

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

aDeener wrote: »

but rapists are scumbags.... or are they not in your eyes?

... but scumbags aren't nessecarily rapists. Again, stop implying that I said "rapists" when I cleary did not.

nacho libre

is it the case the hospital were not entitled to know he had a criminal record or was it a case of they knew and just believed in the concept of rehabilitation?
if it's the latter i commend the hospital for employing him.

Greyfox

CrazyRabbit wrote: »

But if your crime is any kind of sexually assault, then it's out with the torches and pitchforks! Kill Kill Kill!!!

I don't care and I say fair play to the media for hounding this piece of sh*t, it's not their fault our legal system keeps giving lenient sentences for scum like this! Raping 4 women and sexually assaulting two more should of got him more then 13 years. He's does'nt belong in society yet and he's a massive danger to young women. I dont' give a fook about his rights as he has not been punished enough!

Mr Benevolent

KevinVonSpiel wrote: »

Stick him on Rockall.

We can't, Rockall isn't ours.

we'llallhavetea_old

he seems to be trying to get his life back on track tbh.

and before you all stride in on your high horses with "the victims can't get their life back on track etc" - what would you rather see? the man come out of prison, reoffend and be lobbed back in there or see him come out a changed man?

The court heard that during his 13-year prison sentence he attended counselling to deal with his offences and addiction problems.

After his release he joined a 'New Directions' programme for the rehabilitation of sex offenders.

The programmes had numerous conditions including a curfew and regular visits from probation officers and gardaí.

it seems he has been trying to reform.

he will win his case imo.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

Greyfox wrote: »

I don't care and I say fair play to the media for hounding this piece of sh*t, it's not their fault our legal system keeps giving lenient sentences for scum like this! Raping 4 women and sexually assaulting two more should of got him more then 13 years. He's does'nt belong in society yet and he's a massive danger to young women. I dont' give a fook about his rights as he has not been punished enough!

Yes, but nor is it their duty.

I agree completely with what you're saying but, as I said, there is no way that the journalists in question give the slightest **** about society.

Journalists, no matter who they're reporting, are NOT above the law.

Novella

He moved into my apartment block a few months ago. Didn't last long here.

On one hand, I understand where he is coming from... But then I think he did rape a number of women. It is pretty difficult to expect people to give him another chance. Saying you're sorry and you won't do it again is all well and good when you've done something like eaten the last Rolo, but rape? Well tbph, I didn't feel safe with him as my neighbour.

melekalikimaka

Novella wrote: »

He moved into my apartment block a few months ago. Didn't last long here.

On one hand, I understand where he is coming from... But then I think he did rape a number of women. It is pretty difficult to expect people to give him another chance. Saying you're sorry and you won't do it again is all well and good when you've done something like eaten the last Rolo, but rape? Well tbph, I didn't feel safe with him as my neighbour.

he has paid his debt, in the eyes of the legal system he is an innocent man and should be treated so. scumbag journos are the blame... and to a lesser extent the people who buy their papers

HalloweenJack

Arkmar wrote: »

What I want to know is who is the Solicitor representing this rapist in the high court and are we paying for it. Do they not have a shred of moral fibre in their whole body that all they can see is €€€.

AFAIK, solicitors for the state don't get to pick the people they defend. They are given a case and have to do their best.

Didn't Michael McDowell defend that Malcolm MacArthur fella at one point?

Money doesn't come into the equation. It's luck of the draw.

Also, I believe that the rapist in this case should be left along. The criminal system is built on the idea of rehabilitation. If someone serves time and is released, they should be allowed to go back and attempt to live a normal life, especially in this guy's case where he appears to be trying to get back to normal.

WindSock

He can move in beside me if he wants. There are probably plenty of rapists/ex-rapists/potential rapists living per square kilometre than I would like to know about. At least this one I can put a face and name to, and he's probably being kept a close watch on as it is. I say leave him be, he's paid his debt. He will never be as free as he was before he commited the crimes anyway. He will be paying for the rest of his life if that is any consolation to the victims. I can't see what pitchforking him from place to place is going to do.

JimiTime

I'd like to see a system whereby there is a liability on the part of the justice system if a person like this reoffends on release. It could have a two pronged positive outcome. a) If the state are in any doubt of the risk factor on such a person being free, they'll keep them in prison or under serious surveillance. Thus, a higher level of protection for us, the common person. b) IF they offend again, it points at the failure of the state. The state will have to assess its position, and the victim can be compensated (Not that this is any real consolation).

Overall, Protection of the innocent should always be the priority of the justice system. ALL other 'rights' etc must only be considered AFTER this first principal of protection is satisfied.

Martian Martin

He raped numerous women and exposed himself to kids and some people wanna help protect his Civil liberties?

Hang this **** from the nearest lamp post.

stepbar

Martian Martin wrote: »

He raped numerous women and exposed himself to kids and some people wanna help protect his Civil liberties?

Hang this **** from the nearest lamp post.

Are you a card carrying KKK member?

Martian Martin

stepbar wrote: »

Are you a card carrying KKK member?

You're clever, you should look to carve out a career being a clever internet poster person. Well done.