DERMOT MURPHY: CO WATERFORD CHILD RAPIST UNMASKED AND STILL DANGEROUS
| Red Rose Database
Co Waterford Rapist
In July 2022, the disturbing case of Dermot Murphy, a known child sex offender from Co Waterford, came into sharp focus as he was publicly unmasked for the first time. Murphy, aged 52, has long been considered a highly volatile and dangerous individual with a significant risk of re-offending, yet he continues to evade full accountability from his victims.
Murphy’s face, which had previously been concealed during court appearances and trial proceedings—often hidden behind coats, masks, or caps—was finally revealed when a journalist tracked him down near his latest residence. He was found at a homeless shelter situated in the heart of Waterford city, where he now resides among vulnerable individuals. When approached and questioned about his past crimes, Murphy refused to offer any apology to his victims, instead choosing to ignore the inquiries and retreat indoors for a free meal.
Despite his efforts to conceal his identity in the past, the public now has a clear view of Murphy’s face. Locals in Waterford have expressed their strong disapproval of his presence in the area, with many stating that they want him gone. One resident remarked, “He’s not liked down here. Everyone knows who he is and what he’s done. No one wants him here.” The community’s hostility is so intense that Murphy is reportedly barred from the shelter’s communal dining area, forcing him to eat alone in his room.
Originally from Athlone in County Westmeath, Murphy later made his home in Tramore, County Waterford. His criminal record is extensive and heinous. He served a nine-year sentence for attempting to abduct a 13-year-old girl by trying to force her into his white van. The girl fought fiercely, managing to escape after kicking and biting him during the struggle. Murphy’s previous convictions include nearly seven years for the rape, aggravated rape, and false imprisonment of a 12-year-old girl in 1997. During his 2012 trial, Judge Tony Hunt described Murphy as a “serious and dangerous recidivist offender” with a “perversion” that posed a significant threat to society.
In 2011, Murphy attempted to lure a 13-year-old girl into his van after stopping her on a rural road in the Midlands, asking for directions. When she resisted, she was subjected to a violent struggle, during which her top was torn off. She fought him off with remarkable bravery, kicking and biting him before fleeing. Her quick thinking and strength were credited with saving her from Murphy’s intentions. The teenager later expressed ongoing fears about being alone with men and concerns that Murphy might attack other girls who had not yet come forward.
Following media appeals, another young woman came forward, revealing that Murphy’s white van had approached her earlier that same evening. Murphy later admitted to attempting to abduct a 20-year-old woman in Laois in 2007, also under the pretext of asking for directions. He tried to force her into his van but fled when an approaching lorry spooked him. Murphy’s confessions and evidence led to his being charged for that incident as well.
Murphy’s criminal history is marked by a pattern of predatory behavior. In 1998, he was convicted of kidnapping and raping a 12-year-old girl, an ordeal that involved holding her at knifepoint, forcing her to strip, and sexually assaulting her in a bog. He also admitted to false imprisonment, oral rape, and sexual assault, with the court hearing how he had driven around looking for girls aged nine to 14, with the intent to sexually assault them. Murphy’s own statements revealed that he had previously attempted to find victims with a friend, but only succeeded in carrying out his plans in 1997.
Murphy’s repeated offenses and the severity of his crimes have led to multiple lengthy sentences. He was released from prison in April of the previous year after serving nine of his 13-year sentence. His release was met with outrage, especially given his high risk of re-offending. During his time in custody, Murphy was considered a high-risk offender, banned from driving for life, and ordered to sign the sex offender register for life, with strict supervision for ten years post-release.
In court, Murphy’s actions and history were scrutinized extensively. Judge Tony Hunt emphasized the significant danger he posed, noting that Murphy’s use of vehicles was a “significant tool” in his attempts to satisfy his perverse urges. The judge also highlighted Murphy’s high risk of re-offending, citing his troubled childhood, including a head injury and subsequent speech impediment, as factors that contributed to his criminal behavior. Despite Murphy’s expressions of remorse and his cooperation during proceedings, the court recognized that his dangerous tendencies persisted.
Murphy’s case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by repeat sex offenders. The community in Waterford continues to grapple with his presence, and authorities remain vigilant in monitoring his movements. The public’s safety and the well-being of potential future victims depend on continued efforts to manage and rehabilitate individuals like Murphy, whose past actions have left a trail of trauma and fear.
Murphy’s face, which had previously been concealed during court appearances and trial proceedings—often hidden behind coats, masks, or caps—was finally revealed when a journalist tracked him down near his latest residence. He was found at a homeless shelter situated in the heart of Waterford city, where he now resides among vulnerable individuals. When approached and questioned about his past crimes, Murphy refused to offer any apology to his victims, instead choosing to ignore the inquiries and retreat indoors for a free meal.
Despite his efforts to conceal his identity in the past, the public now has a clear view of Murphy’s face. Locals in Waterford have expressed their strong disapproval of his presence in the area, with many stating that they want him gone. One resident remarked, “He’s not liked down here. Everyone knows who he is and what he’s done. No one wants him here.” The community’s hostility is so intense that Murphy is reportedly barred from the shelter’s communal dining area, forcing him to eat alone in his room.
Originally from Athlone in County Westmeath, Murphy later made his home in Tramore, County Waterford. His criminal record is extensive and heinous. He served a nine-year sentence for attempting to abduct a 13-year-old girl by trying to force her into his white van. The girl fought fiercely, managing to escape after kicking and biting him during the struggle. Murphy’s previous convictions include nearly seven years for the rape, aggravated rape, and false imprisonment of a 12-year-old girl in 1997. During his 2012 trial, Judge Tony Hunt described Murphy as a “serious and dangerous recidivist offender” with a “perversion” that posed a significant threat to society.
In 2011, Murphy attempted to lure a 13-year-old girl into his van after stopping her on a rural road in the Midlands, asking for directions. When she resisted, she was subjected to a violent struggle, during which her top was torn off. She fought him off with remarkable bravery, kicking and biting him before fleeing. Her quick thinking and strength were credited with saving her from Murphy’s intentions. The teenager later expressed ongoing fears about being alone with men and concerns that Murphy might attack other girls who had not yet come forward.
Following media appeals, another young woman came forward, revealing that Murphy’s white van had approached her earlier that same evening. Murphy later admitted to attempting to abduct a 20-year-old woman in Laois in 2007, also under the pretext of asking for directions. He tried to force her into his van but fled when an approaching lorry spooked him. Murphy’s confessions and evidence led to his being charged for that incident as well.
Murphy’s criminal history is marked by a pattern of predatory behavior. In 1998, he was convicted of kidnapping and raping a 12-year-old girl, an ordeal that involved holding her at knifepoint, forcing her to strip, and sexually assaulting her in a bog. He also admitted to false imprisonment, oral rape, and sexual assault, with the court hearing how he had driven around looking for girls aged nine to 14, with the intent to sexually assault them. Murphy’s own statements revealed that he had previously attempted to find victims with a friend, but only succeeded in carrying out his plans in 1997.
Murphy’s repeated offenses and the severity of his crimes have led to multiple lengthy sentences. He was released from prison in April of the previous year after serving nine of his 13-year sentence. His release was met with outrage, especially given his high risk of re-offending. During his time in custody, Murphy was considered a high-risk offender, banned from driving for life, and ordered to sign the sex offender register for life, with strict supervision for ten years post-release.
In court, Murphy’s actions and history were scrutinized extensively. Judge Tony Hunt emphasized the significant danger he posed, noting that Murphy’s use of vehicles was a “significant tool” in his attempts to satisfy his perverse urges. The judge also highlighted Murphy’s high risk of re-offending, citing his troubled childhood, including a head injury and subsequent speech impediment, as factors that contributed to his criminal behavior. Despite Murphy’s expressions of remorse and his cooperation during proceedings, the court recognized that his dangerous tendencies persisted.
Murphy’s case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by repeat sex offenders. The community in Waterford continues to grapple with his presence, and authorities remain vigilant in monitoring his movements. The public’s safety and the well-being of potential future victims depend on continued efforts to manage and rehabilitate individuals like Murphy, whose past actions have left a trail of trauma and fear.