Fianna Fail is calling for the introduction of a sentencing council similar to the one in operation in Britain.

It comes after a 72-year-old man who repeatedly raped his daughter over a 9-year period walked free from court yesterday.

He received a 12-year sentence with 9-years suspended.

Patrick O'Brien may yet have to serve 3 years but will remain free as granted bail yesterday pending an appeal.

Widespread criticism

Mr. Justice Paul Carney said it was one of the worst cases of abuse of a daughter one could find.

After the hearing the Mr. O'Brien's daughter Fiona Doyle said she was devastated at the sentence.

The sentence has come in for widespread criticism with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre describing it as too lenient.

The Fianna Fail Justice Spokesperson is Niall Collins.

He says a sentencing council made up of Judges and lay people could lead to more consistency.

Pictured above: Fianna Fail Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins