Sisters horrifically abused by their priest brother 'feel justice has not truly been served'

Two sisters who were raped by their brother say the eight year sentence handed down on him is “not long enough.”

Speaking outside court after their brother Richard Brennan, a former priest, was jailed for six counts of rape and 18 indecent assaults from 1978 to 1985, brave victims Paula Fay and Catherine Wrightstone, who waived their right to anonymity, stated that justice had not been served.

They were also speaking after their brother Bernard (67) had been jailed earlier this year for 11 counts of indecent assault.

Paula Fay stated that they were “extremely disappointed with the sentence imposed upon Richard".

“Eight years is not long enough to reflect the severity of his crimes. We feel this sentence does not send the right message to offenders of this type of crime. However today is a monumental day in our lives.

“Our brother Richard is now being held accountable for the horrendous sexual abuse he imposed against each of us,” she said.

“No prison sentence is ever long enough for rape or sexual abuse. Eight years will give Richard time to reflect on the real impact of his horrific crimes and the effect it has had throughout our lives. But we feel justice has not truly been served.”

• READ MORE: Monster priest joins brother in jail after sickening abuse of his 3 sisters exposed

Paula also spoke about coming forward and the support they received: “In 2019 we made the courageous decision to report these horrific crimes to An Garda Siochana. We were met with many obstacles along the way. However the support we received from An Garda Siochana, the victim support at court and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre helped to mitigate against some of these obstacles.

“We are eternally grateful for their committed support throughout the trial and sentencing. We would also like to thank our family who have also been impacted by this trial, for all their support.

“Going through a trial is by no means easy. It eats you up, taking over your life, and thoughts. The constant fear of the unknown leads to lack of sleep and loss of appetite. But getting a conviction makes the journey worthwhile and is a massive step towards healing,” she added.

“For us, knowing that the perpetrator of these crimes is now going to serve a mere eight years in some way inhibits our healing process. It is painful to know that we will never reclaim our childhood. But we now have reclaimed our voices and have finally been heard. During the trial process it was disappointing for us to learn that in 2025 a mandated person under oath tried to push knowledge of sexual abuse under the carpet.

“We know we are not alone. So many survivors of inter family sexual abuse suffer in silence and are afraid that they will not be believed or protected. We hope our voices will help those victims listening today to break their silence. If you are a survivor of sexual violence, please know that it is not your fault. Once you are ready to speak your truth your voice will matter.”

• READ MORE: Former priest Richard Brennan jailed over abuse of his sisters: victim impact statements in full

Catherine Wrightstone meanwhile stated that the conviction of Richard Brennan “marks the end of a long and painful journey.”

“An arduous six year legal process but 42 years since I first found the courage to speak my truth. Sadly at that time the system failed me. While we are deeply disappointed with the leniency of today’s sentence, justice still prevailed,” she said.

“Richard Brennan can no longer hide behind the mantle of the church, masking menace with meekness and depravity with sanctity. My sisters and I have chosen to waive our right to anonymity not for publicity but so that other survivors know this - you are not alone.

“Though justice may take decades, it is never beyond reach. I hope that this sends a clear message that time does not erase the truth and that our justice system is capable of pursuing justice for victims even decades later.

“As Paula has said we are extremely grateful to An Garda Siochana and for the legal team from the DPP for bringing our case to courts, as we realise that less than eight per cent of historical sexual abuse cases make it to trial and even less result in a conviction. In our opinion this is heartbreaking considering the life long sentence of emotional pain, broken trust and struggle to reclaim safety and self worth in the aftermath of child sexual abuse and rape,” she said.

She went on to say: “Holding perpetrators accountable is not just about punishment, it is about affirming the value of the survivors life, their truth and their fundamental right to live free from fear, coercion or intimidation. For us and many others, conviction in the courtroom is a crucial step in healing. Thankfully the Ireland of 2025 is not the same as the Ireland of the 1970s and 1980s.

“However the widespread systematic issue of violence, including sexual violence against women, still needs to be addressed in Ireland - as it is not something of the past. We would like to thank detectives Neil Fogarty and Kevin Drennan in particular for their level of professionalism and sensitivity throughout this process. We would also like to thank Cliona from the DRCC for being such a supportive calming presence and the VSAC team, our friends and our family, and to my best friend Michelle Goggins who stood beside me as a child and as an adult when I came forward. And most importantly of all, to fellow survivors, when you’re ready, please speak your truth.

“Your voice matters. You are stronger than you realise. Support is out there and healing is possible. May your path toward healing be guided by hope and may you find strength in knowing that justice can prevail. “

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