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Autistic woman who harassed former colleague's wife has sentencing adjourned
Summary
Gráinne O'Toole, 41, an autistic woman diagnosed with obsessive persecution delusions, was remanded in custody in July after repeatedly harassing Jennifer Doran, the wife of a former colleague, with over 310 abusive texts, calls and tweets between October 2011 and February 2012. At the original sentencing hearing, O'Toole pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Patrick McCartan adjourned her sentence for one year, allowing her to continue treatment and college studies in the community. He warned that re‑offending within 12 months would result in imprisonment. The judge set the case to be concluded in October 2015, with the possibility of re‑entry if O'Toole re‑offended. O'Toole's behaviour was described as a campaign of harassment that impacted Doran's private, business and personal life. The judge noted her improvement in appearance and demeanour during a recent prison visit, and that she was now medically compliant with treatment. The case remains pending until the adjourned date.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Autistic woman who harassed former colleague's wife has sentencing adjourned. Charges or matters: harassing Ms Doran between October 1, 2011 and February 2, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 1, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2015 Other
- April 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-10-29 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: harassing Ms Doran between October 1, 2011 and February 2, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The court was told at the original sentence hearing that O'Toole made over 310 abusive texts, calls and tweets to Jennifer Doran, with an average 35 calls a day during one month. Judge Patrick McCartan today said he was adjourning the sentence for one year to allow O'Toole continue with her treatment and her college studies in the community.; Gráinne O'Toole (41) had been diagnosed with autism and obsessive persecution delusions but was remanded in custody last July after she again tweeted about her victim.
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