Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman who posted photo of Kriegel murderer 'almost addicted to social media', court hears

Summary

Hazel Fitzpatrick (25) of Easton Green, Easton Road, Leixlip, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to posting a picture on her Facebook account which includes a picture of Boy A in contravention of the Children's Act 2001 within the State on or about June 19, 2019. Fitzpatrick admitted to the charge and stated she had heard about the judge's order and that people could be brought to court and fined. She described the offence as 'the biggest mistake she has ever made in her life'. The court heard that Fitzpatrick posted the image out of 'pure anger' and that she had become 'almost reliant and addicted to social media'. The matter was adjourned for finalisation to November 18, next, with Fitzpatrick remanded on continuing bail. The court heard that Fitzpatrick had no previous convictions and that she had taken the image down shortly after posting it. The case was initially directed for summary disposal in the District Court, but jurisdiction was later refused by another judge. The defence submitted that Fitzpatrick was not part of a greater conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and that her actions were spontaneous and misguided. The court was informed that Fitzpatrick was suffering from post-natal depression and anxiety at the time of the offence and that she was at a low-risk of reoffending. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman who posted photo of Kriegel murderer 'almost addicted to social media', court hears. Charges or matters: posting a picture on her Facebook account which includes a picture of Boy A in contravention of the Children's Act 2001 within the State on or about June 19, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 19, 2019 Other
• June 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 2019 Other
• November 18 Adjournment
• 2021-11-04 Publication

Why: She said she took it down two or three minutes later because people were texting her. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report