Man Ordered To Pay €328,000 In Damages For Sexual Abuse Of Foster Daughter

Thursday, 24 July 2025 09:45

By Martin Osborne

Kelly Kemmy, now 27, waived her anonymity and later brought civil proceedings against both Murray and Tusla. Her claim against Tusla, for negligence in placing her in his care, was settled for €250,000.

A man jailed for repeatedly raping his foster daughter over a seven-year period has been ordered to pay her €328,000 in damages.

Stephen Murray, formerly of Valleymount, Co Wicklow, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022 after pleading guilty to multiple counts of rape, oral rape, and sexual assault against Kelly Kemmy, committed between 2009 and 2015, when she was aged 11 to 18.

Ms Kemmy, now 27, waived her anonymity and later brought civil proceedings against both Murray and Tusla.

Her claim against Tusla, for negligence in placing her in his care, was settled for €250,000.

In a ruling earlier this year, the High Court found in her favour against Murray.

On Wednesday, Ms Justice Emily Egan awarded €578,000 in damages, comprising €450,000 in general and €128,000 in special damages, mainly for loss of earnings.

The total was reduced to €328,000 due to the earlier Tusla settlement, according to the Irish Times.

The judge described the abuse as a "worst case scenario", involving hundreds of incidents over several years.

Murray did not participate in the civil case.

Ms Kemmy continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder but is pursuing a career in social work, the Court heard.

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