Notorious Irish rapist set for release as gardai prepare for his return to the streets

One of Ireland’s most notorious rapists, Simon McGinley, 52, will be released from the Midlands Prison after serving a sentence for breaching his release conditions. McGinley was originally sentenced to 20 years for raping an 86-year-old woman, and his suspended sentence was activated for cold-calling homes in Dundalk, Co Louth. He will have three days to notify Gardai of his whereabouts upon release and will be under Probation Service supervision for twelve years. McGinley is also a registered sex offender for life, and Gardai are on high alert following his release.

According to a prison source, McGinley has expressed plans to return to Dundalk, where he was previously sent back to prison for offering power washing services to elderly residents. McGinley's history includes a 13-year sentence for raping the 86-year-old woman and a notorious rape case involving a 13-year-old girl in 1997.