DPP to appeal leniency of sentence handed down to rape beast David Hamilton
Vile Hamilton was jailed last March after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault of his cousin Sophie Brady and guilty to the rape, oral rape and sexual assault of her sister in Co Meath on dates between 2004 and 2008
Vile Hamilton was jailed last March after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault of his cousin Sophie and guilty to the rape, oral rape and sexual assault of her sister in Co Meath on dates between 2004 and 2008.David's brother Jonathan pleaded guilty to one count of rape and sexual assault of Sophie’s older sister on one occasion on a date in 2005.He was sentenced to three years with the final six months suspended.In the wake of the verdicts Sophie spoke with the Sunday World and blasted the sentences saying “This is not justice.”And, speaking this week, Sophie confirmed that the gardai had contacted her to confirm that the DPP is appealing the sentence handed down in David Hamilton’s case.“It still feels like a long way to go for real justice,” she said, “but I’m still hopeful for a more positive outcome the second time around.”David and Jonathan HamiltonAt the Hamilton brothers’ sentencing in March, an investigating garda told Carl Hanahoe SC, that prior to the offending starting when David Hamilton was aged 12 years and his first victim was aged 10, there had been a background of inappropriate behaviour by him towards the child while playing.The garda said the woman recalled a rape occurring around this time after he had called her into a bedroom. She said she was raped on a frequent basis by David Hamilton from them on.She said on one occasion Jonathan Hamilton was present and after David Hamilton raped her, he told his brother: “Now you need to have a go.”She said she was also forced to perform oral sex on David Hamilton and raped while on holiday.Younger sister Sophie was sexually abused by David Hamilton beginning when she was seven years old and he was 14. This offending occurred between 2005 and 2008.The court heard Jonathan Hamilton was only charged in relation to one incident with one child. He was 14 years old at the time of his offence.Sophie came forward to make a complaint in 2021 and the offending against her elder sister emerged in the course of that statement.Speaking this week, Sophie said she wanted again to appeal to people to sign a petition, set up by her and her sister, calling for tougher sentencing of sex offenders.“I would continue to encourage people to come forward in order for change to occur,” she said.News in 90 seconds - 10th May 2025 Writing on Change.Org, where the petition is being hosted, Sophie’s older sister wrote: “As survivors of sexual violence, my sister and I demand reform in the Irish legal system.“Our abusers received sentences of 2.5 and 6.5 years, respectively.“These sentences fall drastically short of reflecting the severity, the harm caused, and the extended periods during which the crimes occurred.“Sexual violence is a devastating crime that takes a toll on the victim for the rest of their life, necessitating a robust response from our judicial system.“We urge the authorities to impose harsher sentences for sexual offenders.“This isn’t just about us. Sexual violence is a pervasive problem not only in Ireland but worldwide.“According to the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, around 12% of girls and 5% of boys have experienced sexual violence.“With such troubling statistics, it is evident that the current punitive measures in place are not sufficient deterrence.“Moreover, we demand that Ireland's judges must have more autonomy in sentencing, especially in the case of offenders just months under 18.“The legal system currently grants these offenders the leniency of being treated as 'children'.“While it is important to consider the age and maturity of offenders in a balanced justice system, the gravity of their crimes should not be overlooked, diluting the punishment they rightly deserve.“We appeal to the Irish government to reconsider its stance on sexual abuse cases.“Let our justice system reflect the deep-seated pain victims feel, let it act as a deterrent, and let it be a beacon of hope for those who have suffered.“The time for change is now. Please sign this petition to support harsher penalties for sexual violence and abuse.”Anyone wishing to sign the petition can do so at: www.change.org/p/demand-harsher-sentences-for-sexual-violence-and-abuse-in-ireland
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