PATRICK FOLEY FROM HOVE DIES AFTER VIOLENT INCIDENT IN PRISON

In June 2016, Patrick Foley, an 85-year-old sex offender from Hove, tragically lost his life following a violent altercation with a fellow inmate. Foley, who was wheelchair-bound, was involved in a fight within a prison that had recently been placed on lockdown due to another violent incident. The assault on Foley resulted in him being taken to hospital for medical treatment. Despite medical intervention, he was discharged from the hospital and subsequently died while being returned to his cell, marking a tragic end to his troubled life.

Foley's criminal history was extensive and deeply disturbing. In December 2014, he was convicted of multiple heinous crimes. The court heard that Foley, then 83 years old and residing on Prinsep Road in Hove, was found guilty of seven counts of rape. The victims were a girl he knew personally, and the assaults took place over a period spanning from 1968 to 1975, when she was between 11 and 18 years old. The jury's verdict led to Foley being sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence that many believe he was unlikely to serve in full given his age and health.

Detective Constable Holly Hallahan commented on the case, emphasizing the significance of the victim's courage. She stated, “The victim has had to live with this for the last 40 years and this is a fantastic result for her. She has shown enormous courage in coming forward and talking to us about what she endured, and now she has the justice she deserves.” Hallahan also urged others who might have suffered similar historic abuse to come forward, highlighting the importance of justice and support for victims of such crimes.

Foley's death in prison underscores the ongoing issues within the criminal justice system regarding the treatment and management of elderly and vulnerable inmates. His life story, marked by heinous crimes and a tragic end, continues to evoke public and legal discussions about justice, rehabilitation, and the safety of prison environments.