My rapist gets to go back to normal life but I am living through trauma, I pray to God he doesn’t attack other women
A BRAVE rape survivor told how she was “sick to her stomach” after her attacker walked free from prison.
And Karen Stanley - who has waived her right to anonymity as she continues to help other victims of sexual violence - is praying Hoi Ping Yung, 50, does not attack any other women.
Then-restaurateur Yung walked free from the Midlands Prison earlier this month after he was caged in March 2020 for attacking Karen.
The rapist - who targeted Karen as she slept at Dublin’s Harcourt Hotel on November 21, 2013 - has now returned to his native Manchester.
And he remains free despite being suspected of attacking four other women in the UK.
Following his release, Karen spoke exclusively to The Irish Sun to reveal how she hopes the brute has changed after spending time in prison.
She said: “I pray to God and hope that he doesn’t attack any other women because we know what he’s capable of.
“It makes me sick to my stomach that someone can receive just four and a half years for rape and then be released.
“He was molly coddled by the State but I am the one who’s living through trauma.
“I am the one who lost everything during the trial and am still trying to recoup financial losses from my business because of this nightmare.
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“I think he is a sick man who needs help but I don’t wish him any pain. I feel sorry for him. He committed an appalling crime and should now take full responsibility for it.”
Karen also said seeking justice was difficult on her.
She told The Irish Sun: “Going to court was one of the most difficult things I ever had to do.
“I’m still suffering from the financial loss that I endured because of his actions but he gets to go back to a normal life.
'HE TOLD LIE AFTER LIE'
“He told lie after lie in the trial but in the end the jury believed me.
“I did nothing wrong and it gives me comfort to know that he will be on the sex offenders register for life.”
Our exclusive CCTV footage shows the monster Yung running in the corridor of the Dublin hotel.
He rushed into the hotel hallway after his brave victim managed to escape his clutches and raise the alarm.
Failing to catch her, he later returned to the room to continue sleeping.
Despite targeting Karen in 2013, delays in the court process over the years meant he was only sentenced for the crime in March 2020.
As part of her campaign to help other victims, Karen recently met with Justice Minister Simon Harris.
'STIGMA AND SHAME'
She is also working closely with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and helped launch the new online ‘finding your way after sexual violence’ which informs victims how to access medical treatment after rape or sexual assault.
She added: “There is still so much stigma and shame attached to women who have been victims of rape and this needs to change.
“We need to speak openly about what the trauma women experience and the State needs to support them.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet with Mr Harris and outline my views on the judicial process and support for victims.
“I’m pleased to be involved with the Rape Crisis Centre in their new initiative and this can make a huge difference to people who have experiences sexual violence.
“Whatever path someone takes after experiencing sexual violence, it can feel so isolating. And having this resource can make a huge difference.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
“The language is easy to understand and the emotional support that Rape Crisis Centres provide is there.
“It’s a step in the right direction and it’s comforting to know that information and support is available when you need it.”
Karen first met Yung through a friend when they were on a night out in Dublin.
Her pal had arranged to travel to Dublin from the UK before Yung decided to join them at the last minute.
During the evening out, the sex beast made a number of attempts to grab Karen when they were dancing but she repeatedly pushed him away.
At the end of the night, Yung booked a hotel room because the trio had missed a bus home. After falling asleep in a separate bed, Karen awoke on two occasions to find the fiend rubbing her leg and caressing her before she elbowed him.
HORROR ATTACK
And when she awoke for a third time after drifting off to sleep, she had been dragged to the bottom of the bed and was being raped.
She then fought him off before running from the hotel.
Once outside, she was helped by a number of people before the alarm was raised.
Karen added: “It was my determination that helped me get away from him.
“I had no idea he was wandering the corridors looking for me but I had to get away.
“I never got to meet the people who comforted me and rang the emergency services that night and I can’t thank them enough.
CHARGED WITH RAPE
“What was going on in his head to do that to me and then go back to bed without a care in the world.”
The sicko was later charged with rape. Yung offered to plead guilty to sexual assault but this plea was rejected by the DPP.
Karen also spoke about her experience in court, adding: “It was harrowing being in court, having my underwear being shown and my father, who had passed away, being brought up but it was worth it in the end.
“There was no DNA evidence in my case and this shows if you’re telling the truth, justice will prevail.
“It was very hard but I would encourage any victim of rape or sexual assault to come forward and get the justice they deserve.”
The Garda investigation into the rape was run by Det Insp Denis Ellard, Garda Frank Johnson and Sgt Shane Behan under the command of retired Supt Joe Gannon.
Karen added: “The one thing I would say is that the support you get is amazing.
“The Gardai were fantastic along with the victim support group at the court, the Rape Crisis Centre, my friends and my family.
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“I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support they have shown me.”
- If you have been affected by this story, you can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre national helpline on 1800 77 8888.
