Courts / Dublin / Report

Man avoids jail for threatening to post intimate photos on Facebook

Summary

John Lyons, 50, pleaded guilty to demanding money with menace after a breakup, threatening to post intimate photos of his ex‑partner on Facebook if she did not pay him €5,000. He admitted sending a topless photograph to her mobile phone and threatened to upload it. The court found the threat a vile offence breaching privacy and bodily integrity. Judge Pauline Codd noted the victim felt intimidated and had reported the matter to gardaí. Lyons, described by references as respectful, honest, hard‑working and a good father, had no prior convictions. The judge suspended a five‑month prison term, emphasising the need for deterrence. No further contact between the parties was reported. The case was dealt with summarily on a guilty plea, with a maximum penalty of 12 months.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man avoids jail for threatening to post intimate photos on Facebook. Charges or matters: demanding money with menace at a place in Dublin on June 27, 2016. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• June 27, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-11-28 Publication

Why: He told gardaí: "She told me to fuck off about the money, I sent her the picture and told her I put them on Facebook because I was annoyed". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report