Tiger kidnapper claims he was ‘sexually abused’ by psychologist in prison

In 2014, he was responsible for the kidnapping of Dublin postmistress Susan Lawlor, her daughter and her daughter's friend, during which around 80,000 euros were stolen from the post office in question.

He has now brought proceedings in the High Court against parties including the Irish Prison Service and Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

Kelly is being represented in the case by Belfast-based human rights law firm Phoenix Law. He claims that the psychologist in question held individual sessions with him over an 18-month period several years ago to treat his own mental health issues.

Kelly claims the prison psychologist told him she loved him, hugged and kissed him, and performed sexual acts on him. He claims the acts were not consensual.

It is also alleged that the psychologist sent Kelly personal letters and photos and sent her electronic messages via social media, including some nude photos of her.

It is also alleged that the psychologist attempted to call Kelly on a disposable phone and that when she did not make contact with him, she went to his cell phone to speak to him.

The lawsuit, filed last week, alleges that the abuse continued until another prison employee observed the psychologist and the prisoner engaging in sexual acts.

Shortly afterwards, Kelly was transferred to Cork Prison for a few weeks before being returned to Wheatfield, where he remains incarcerated.

It is understood that the psychologist is no longer employed by the IPS. It is believed that Kelly made a complaint to the Gardaí about the psychologist's conduct following his transfer to Cork.

An IPS spokesman said they do not comment on “matters concerning individual staff or prisoners”.

Phoenix Law declined to comment.

Kelly says he sought further psychological treatment from the psychologist for the abuse he allegedly suffered, but was denied treatment. However, this attitude changed when he took legal action over the matter.

Kelly's case is expected to include at least one professional report confirming the credibility of his claim.

Kelly is seeking compensation for personal injuries, particularly psychological damage, and for the violation of his constitutional personal rights as a result of the “breach of trust” represented by the alleged abuse.

Kelly, a notorious underworld figure, had 60 previous convictions at the time of his 2018 trial for the kidnapping, including assault, escape from custody, robbery and other crimes.

He had previously served a ten-year prison sentence for a post office robbery in 1997 and a further four years for a robbery in 1989.

In 2014, his then primary residence in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, was sold by the Criminal Assets Bureau. Kelly was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison in 2015 for tax evasion and making death threats against a CAB official.