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Community service for man who threatened and extorted Grindr date

Summary

Derek Whelan, 37, of Glin Grove, Coolock, was found guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of making an unwarranted demand with menace and intent to profit when he demanded €500 from a Grindr date, threatening that his brothers would "slit" the man's throat if they discovered he was gay. Whelan had previously threatened the victim with his brothers' violence and sent persistent messages demanding the remaining €400 after the victim had paid €100. The judge noted Whelan's struggle with his sexual orientation and chronic depression as major triggers for the offence, and that his family was hostile. He was sentenced to 240 hours of community service to avoid a three‑year prison term. The sentence reflects the court's view that the offence was out of character and that Whelan is now in a stable relationship and has expressed remorse.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Community service for man who threatened and extorted Grindr date. Charges or matters: making an unwarranted demand with menace, with the intention of making a profit, at Bank of Ireland, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Dublin 13 on November, 3 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 2021-11-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report