The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would not comment on reports yesterday that it is to appeal the leniency of the sentence imposed on the paedophile priest, Ivan Payne. A spokeswoman said it was precluded from commenting on specific cases. It is understood the DPP is to ask the Court of Criminal Appeal to increase the two-year term which Payne is to spend in prison.
Five men who said they were abused by Payne have said they would proceed with civil actions against the priest and the Dublin archdiocese for compensation. Payne was sentenced to six years in prison, four of which were suspended on condition he enter a centre for treatment.
