'It won't bring back Sharon but if it stops any family going through our torment and stress then it can only be a good thing' EXCLUSIVE MURDER VICTIM'S FAMILY BACK DATABASE.

Byline: BY CLAIRE BRENNAN 

THE sister of murdered Sharon Coughlan yesterday said she hopes a new system for detecting foreign criminals will stop any family going through the same torment as them.

Caren Coughlan welcomed Ireland's involvement in a new Europe-wide database with details of the criminal records of all dangerous individuals.

Her beloved big sister was raped and strangled by teen Czech David Brozovsky in September last year.

After the mother of two's death it emerged the drug-crazed monster had 27 previous convictions across Europe but he was still allowed into Ireland.

Speaking from her home in Longford, Caren told the Irish Daily Mirror: "It can't bring back Sharon but if it stops any family going through our torment and stress then it can only be a good thing."

At the time of the 37-year-old's death her family said they were "disgusted" with a system which gave rapists and killers free access to Ireland.

But last week Justice Minister Dermot Ahern announced we will soon be part of a European criminal database which will allow authorities to check immigrants' backgrounds before issuing them with social security numbers.

Caren added: "They should have been part of it two years ago and then Sharon would still be here. But fair dues to him Mr Ahern that he's finally closing these stupid loopholes.

"If it's because of what we said after her death, if we played any part in it then I am happy. I'm not trying to say that we changed the law or anything - we just don't want to see anyone else go through what we went through and what Sharon went through."

Sharon was a popular barmaid in Longford before she was dragged into an empty house on Water Street in the town and murdered by Brozovsky.

She was one her way home to her two young children Ciara, 10, and five-year-old Dean.

Caren said the family are still reminded of their beautiful sister every day. She added: "It's been very hard, obviously the first anniversary, her birthday and now Christmas. As a family we have been pulling together.

"I look after the kids and I want to protect them. They lost everything. They know what's going on and they understand it. It's a lot for them to get through, they are so young. Some days are easier, other days are harder."

Brozovsky was sentenced to life behind bars in January. Caren thanked local councillors and neighbours for supporting them through the trial.

It's been hard, the first anniversary, her birthday and now Christmas..But we have been pulling together

CAREN COUGHLAN

CAPTION(S):

MURDERER David Brozovsky and, inset, Sharon's body is removed last year; MUCH MISSED Sharon Coughlan was raped & murdered