Newcastle Father condemns Release of Daughter’s Abuser, Cites Renewed Trauma
NEWCASTLE – The father of a young woman subjected to years of abuse has sharply criticized the early release of her attacker, Sean Small, arguing the decision has inflicted further trauma on his daughter and family. He revealed his daughter learned of Small’s release not through official channels, but via social media, exacerbating her existing mental health struggles.
The victim’s father stated the news “broke her all over again,” causing “more mental anguish, reignited her fear, deepened her scars and spread stress and trauma throughout her entire family.” He also voiced frustration at what he perceives as a lack of media attention to his daughter’s wellbeing. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by victims of crime and their families navigating the criminal justice system, particularly regarding notification of prisoner releases and the consideration of victim impact.
Small was sentenced in 2022 by Judge Gordon Kerr, who initially set a starting point of 14 years but reduced the sentence due to Small’s guilty pleas, poor health, and medical evidence suggesting prison would be particularly difficult for him. Despite the guilty pleas, Judge Kerr noted an “element of victim blaming” and “limited insight” from Small regarding the consequences of his actions, acknowledging the serious consequences for both victims who had suffered from PTSD.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service has stated that victims and their families must register with the prisoner Victim Information Scheme to receive updates about a prisoner’s sentence and potential release. A statement from the office of the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, confirmed the sentencing framework is determined by law through the Department of Justice, outlining maximum sentences and factors judges must consider. The family is now grappling with the aftermath of Small’s release and seeking support for their daughter’s continued recovery.
