Dublin, Ireland – Notorious inmate Denis Leahy, who viciously stabbed Rose Kenny in Dublin in 2014, is set to be released from Midlands Prison in County Laois. Leahy, who was sentenced to 14 years in 2016 for the attempted murder of Kenny, will be freed despite his violent history. The attack left Kenny, a mother of one, fighting for her life for seven weeks at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin.
Leahy’s past included being transferred to a tougher prison in 2023 after being caught with a mobile phone in his cell at Arbour Hill Prison in Dublin. Women’s Aid has expressed concern over his release, emphasizing the importance of conducting a risk assessment before he is set free. CEO Sarah Benson emphasized the need for safeguards to protect victims of violence, particularly when offenders like Leahy are set to be released from custody.
During his sentencing in 2016, Leahy, who pleaded guilty to the attack on Kenny, was described as showing a lack of remorse for his premeditated assault. The judge noted that it was only due to the medical intervention that Kenny survived the brutal attack. The severity of the offense was reflected in the 14-year prison sentence, backdated to the date of the attack.
Despite his criminal history, it was revealed that Leahy was allegedly involved in a gruesome murder of a prostitute in Thailand in 2006. The victim, Bupha Tanchiangpin, was discovered mutilated in Leahy’s flat in Pattaya. Although Leahy was not convicted for the murder, Thai authorities stopped him near the Cambodian border soon after the incident. He later fled the country and returned to Ireland, where he carried out the violent attack on Kenny.
The release of Leahy has raised concerns over the lack of accountability for offenders with a history of violence. The safety and protection of victims must be a top priority, and it is essential that proper risk assessments and preventative measures are in place to mitigate the risk of further harm. Leahy’s case serves as a stark reminder of the need for thorough evaluations of dangerous offenders before they are allowed back into society.