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Brutal sex attacker avoids jail, instead fined $20,000

Rape counselors incensed at Ireland’s light sentences for sex crimes

KERRY O’SHEA,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Friday, October 19, 2012, 8:29 AM

Updated Friday, October 19, 2012, 8:29 AM

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The accused, Graham Griffiths

Photo by DARREN BOYLE

A spokeswoman for the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, Cliona Saidlear, was not happy with the sentencing from Judge Nolan either. Saidlear said, “Mr Griffiths seems to have a hatred of women and said he wanted to bring the victim down to his level. For us in the RCNI, this shows the man has an unhealthy attitude towards women, which was not brought on by drugs.”

Griffiths’ mother told Judge Nolan that as a child, her son was both sexually assaulted and raped by a distant relative. The man has several previous convictions, four of which are assault causing harm.

“Here’s someone who would benefit from probation and access to perpetrators treatment programmes. He seems to have a range of psychological and social problems and they should be addressed,” added Saidlear.

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Happyhippo | Oct 20, 2012, 03:46 PM EDT

If it was the judges own daughter he might have made a different judgement,if it was my daughter i can state without any degree of regret this rapist would be taught a lesson,why was the victim not given the option of having him jailed for the 4 years,if she so wished,nearly every one coming before the courts nowadays blame alcohol or drugs for the offence,in other words they had nothing to do with it,it was the alcohol that done it,how is this animal to learn responsibility for his actions when he is free to roam the streets,$20.000 to the victim plus 4 years and he might think twice next time.

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bob40wil | Oct 20, 2012, 01:24 PM EDT

SheilaSB, here in the States he'd get twenty years for rape of a minor, not a twenty thousand dollar fine. The girl would still have the trauma but also the satisfaction that her rapist would be off the street for quite awhile.

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SheilaSB | Oct 20, 2012, 12:55 AM EDT

At least the young lady can receive the funds to pay for counseling and perhaps get a new start in life. From what I understand, here in the U.S., the victim gets nothing and is left to fend for herself while the lawyers get rich.

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Smyrnian | Oct 19, 2012, 04:25 PM EDT

Terrible. Unfortunately this is typical in Ireland these days. This type if injustice is rampant.

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Ron | Oct 19, 2012, 04:13 PM EDT

20 grand fine??? This turns the girl into a prostitute, and the judge says she doesn't have to take the money. He'll find another use for it? WTF! We're now supposed to worry about the guy being exposed to even more violence in jail. That would be appropriate in my book, that's what happens to violent men. It's a sorry day for Irish justice. That judge should get a kick up the arse and retired from the bench.

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bob40wil | Oct 19, 2012, 03:57 PM EDT

Sexual assault on what I assume is a minor in Ireland and all he gets is a twenty grand fine, WTF???

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aloistmartin | Oct 19, 2012, 03:48 PM EDT

Archibald Cunningham he Aint ! But this Bourgeois Cherry Picker, sure puts the Face on Decadence and Corruption in post Good Friday Irish Society !

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Searlit | Oct 19, 2012, 03:02 PM EDT

@Portia777, I wish you would write a blog on IC. Your perspective is so different and your knowledge of ancient history, so interesting.

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Portia777 | Oct 19, 2012, 11:22 AM EDT

eiriamach WOMEN must again pack the courtroom when a rapist is on trial. Let the judge see your wrath and let HIM think again! He has made a brutalized, traumatized rape victim out to be a $20,000 per night prostitute. Such a sentence affects the status of all women in the Republic. It's disgusting." I agree totally.The real reason for doing what he did was to try and destroy her and get her soul- through putting a price on her. We must remember the BAR- gold bars- judges etc are soul reapers and once we understand this truth, it all becomes clear.

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Portia777 | Oct 19, 2012, 11:19 AM EDT

Courts are not centers of justice. They are corporations and their ole is to make $$$$$, so the judge.....oops sorry Banker is only doing his job. There is no such thing as justice under British law- with all agents of the court in Eire swearing allegiance to the BAR in London- another corporation. Women and children are still second class entities under Roman/British law.

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Searlit | Oct 19, 2012, 10:20 AM EDT

That judge should be retired. How did he ever become a judge, in the first place? Talk about making a mockery of justice!

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CelticQueenUSA | Oct 19, 2012, 10:06 AM EDT

disgraceful injustice. I feel for the victim.

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eiriamach | Oct 19, 2012, 09:09 AM EDT

WOMEN must again pack the courtroom when a rapist is on trial. Let the judge see your wrath and let HIM think again! He has made a brutalized, traumatized rape victim out to be a $20,000 per night prostitute. Such a sentence affects the status of all women in the Republic. It's disgusting.

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