Brian Tierney steps aside from SDLP after giving reference for convicted rapist

A Derry SDLP councillor has stepped away from the party after providing a court reference for an Irish soldier who was convicted of rape.

Last week Cllr Brian Tierney apologised for the reference after it emerged that he had provided a reference for a Derry man who was subsequently sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for raping a woman who was a fellow member of the Irish Defence Forces.

Cllr Tierney described giving the reference for Kielan Mooney as a "grave error of judgement".

In a fresh statement, Cllr Tierney said he had "made the very difficult decision to step aside as an SDLP councillor".

He added that he "deeply regretted" any harm caused to the victim and anyone else "affected".

It is understood that Cllr Tierney will continue to sit on Derry and Strabane District as an independent.

Cllr Tierney said: “After reflecting on the situation over the past few days I have made the very difficult decision to step aside as an SDLP councillor.

"Although the situation was misrepresented to me, I deeply regret the harm caused to the victim and everyone else affected in my giving of a character reference.

“The SDLP has played a huge role in my life from a very young age and the vision and values of the party remain core to me.

"I will be doing everything possible to make up for the damage caused and to demonstrate genuine remorse for my actions.”

The SDLP has confirmed that Cllr Tierney's membership of the party has been suspended pending an internal review of the wider provision around references.

An SDLP spokesperson said: “We welcome Brian’s decision and his genuine desire to address the issues raised by the issuing of this character reference and his actions to reach out to those affected by this. We are conducting a review around the provision of references.

"Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority for the SDLP and our thoughts are with the victim at the centre of this case.”