A family grieving the loss of a daughter and sister for the past 26 years has been dismayed by speculation that one of her killers could be released later this year.
John Shaw, who was sentenced to penal servitude for life in February 1978 for the murder of Mary Duffy, from Belcarra, Co Mayo, as well as 14 years for rape and two years for false imprisonment, has been moved from Arbour Hill prison to the low-security Castlerea prison, leading to speculation that this could indicate he may be released.
A member of Ms Duffy's family this week expressed dismay at the development, and spoke of concerns that Shaw's accomplice, Geoffrey Evans, might also be freed shortly.
Evans, now in his late 50s, was also sentenced to penal servitude for life for the murder of Ms Duffy. He also got 20 years in jail for the rape of Ms Duffy, and another woman, Elizabeth Plunkett, from Dublin, who was also murdered.
Ms Duffy's brother Michael has said the family will fight any release of Shaw. He said: "We understand life plus 14 years to mean that Shaw would not ever be released. After his appalling crimes, how can the authorities decide he is no threat to society?"
However, senior sources at Castlerea prison denied last night that Shaw's recent transfer was a precursor to his release. They said that they were "fairly certain" that he would not be released. They said the move "wouldn't be part of a prison-release programme".
Shaw's move to Castlerea was "to break up his life sentence at his own request", they explained. They said transfers of prisoners between prisons were common. Usually prisoners were transferred either to "break up their sentence" or because "they're not getting on with other prisoners", according to the prison sources.
Ms Plunkett (23) was raped and murdered while on holiday at Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow.Shaw and Evans disposed of the body by attaching a lawnmower to it and dumping it in the sea.
The following month, September 1976, the killers turned up in Castlebar, where they abducted Ms Duffy as she waited to get a lift home to Belcarra. She was held captive for days before being murdered.
After their arrest, Shaw was sentenced on February 9th, 1978, to imprisonment for life for the murder of Ms Duffy. He also received 14 years for rape and two years for false imprisonment.
On December 8th, 1978, Evans was jailed for life for the murder of Ms Duffy. Twelve days later, he was jailed for 20 years for the rape of Ms Duffy and Ms Plunkett.