The Zambian victim, who was 15 at the time of the rapes, was left "seriously scarred" by her ordeal at the hands of Congolese man Kasenge Bangu. He was jailed last week for 15 years on four counts of rape. The girl gave harrowing evidence against international trafficker Bangu and because he brought her into Ireland using a false passport, the victim could technically be deported back to Zambia.

However, senior sources within the Department of Justice say the fact that the woman had been in the country for over four years and had experienced a horrific ordeal would probably mean she will be allowed to remain.

A source said: "The system does not deport people without good reason. This girl would seem to have a very good case to stay here on humanitarian grounds after what she has been through.

She was effectively trafficked into the country and cooperated with the gardaí in bringing about a successful prosecution. . . I don't think there would be the appetite to pursue her and send her back to Zambia. . . she will be treated sympathetically."