EVIL PAEDOPHILE PRIEST 'THE SNIPER' RELEASED AFTER SERVING JUST FOUR YEARS
Sean Barry, known as "The Sniper," was a notorious paedophile and former cleric who was released early from prison after serving four years for a series of sex crimes against young boys.Barry targeted children in his care with brutal and sadistic abuse, including violence and sexual assault.
One victim, Alfred Waters, now 37, revealed that Barry's abuse began when he was just nine years old and lasted throughout his time at St Joseph's Industrial School in Ferryhouse, Co Tipperary.
Alfred described Barry as "an evil pervert" who physically, sexually, and mentally tormented him, including a day when Barry pushed him off a wall, leading to injuries and the nickname "Muddy." Barry was convicted in 1999 of 14 charges of sex abuse committed in the 1970s, during his time as a priest at St Joseph's and Woodstown, Co Waterford.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison, with the last three suspended.
Despite his conviction, Barry was released on August 26, 2003, from Curragh prison, after serving just four years.
Alfred Waters, who was victimized and suffered from drug addiction and alcoholism as a result of the abuse, expressed fear that Barry has not changed.
Waters stated: "Once a sadistic paedophile, always one.
Every child is at risk from him.
I suffered terrible deeds at his hands and I do not want other children to suffer like I did." Waters emphasized that Barry, now 56, is still in the prime of his life and because he was convicted before current legislation, he is not required to be on a sex offenders list and can go anywhere without being known.
Waters described him as "an evil monster" who views young children as prey and must be stopped to prevent further harm.
Waters has cooperated with the Gardaí and hopes his testimony will help re-incarcerate Barry.
He warned parents and authorities to be vigilant, given Barry's potential danger to children.
The Irish Prisons Service confirmed that Barry was released on August 26, 2003, but the exact time was only announced on the day of release.
