A convicted rapist launched a knife attack on a student after convincing the Parole Board to grant him day release by completing sex offender programs in prison.
Neil Trennan, aged 61, was sentenced to his third life term after entering the woman’s home with the intention of committing a violent rape while on unsupervised leave from jail. Trennan had a previous conviction for assaulting a woman with a brick in a public restroom during a previous day release in 2002.
In a recent court hearing, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC expressed doubts about the safety of releasing Trennan, criticizing the Parole Board for allowing him unaccompanied leave. Trennan’s application highlighted his progress in sex offender programs but concluded that he was not suitable for open conditions due to risk factors like his belief in sexual entitlement and propensity for violence.
Trennan was already serving two life sentences, one for a rape in 1991 and another for a violent attack on a woman in 2002. He had a history of criminal offenses involving assaults and voyeurism.
The victim of the recent attack described Trennan’s emotionless demeanor and aggressive behavior during the assault. Judge Richardson KC condemned Trennan as a sexual deviant who should not have been granted unsupervised release.
Prosecutors revealed that Trennan admitted to targeting the woman with the intention of committing a violent rape. The victim managed to fight him off during the attack, leading to Trennan’s arrest three days later.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged the severity of Trennan’s crimes and expressed sympathy for the victims. They assured a thorough review of the case and a commitment to strengthening policies and procedures as necessary.
