Courts / Wexford / Report
Man pretended to be journalist to extort money from elderly sex offender, court hears
Summary
John Murphy, 31, of New Ross, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft at an address in Foxrock, Dublin, on October 28, 2014. The court heard that Murphy, posing as a journalist named "Andrew," allegedly extorted €1,000 from 82-year-old Patrick Brendan Tiernan by threatening to publish his photograph alongside sex offender Larry Murphy. Tiernan, who previously pleaded guilty to 14 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving nine victims, was targeted in what the judge described as a sophisticated operation involving surveillance. Judge Desmond Hogan characterized the conduct as a "particularly mean offence" and noted that Murphy acted as the frontman for the scheme. Although the judge did not rule out a prison term, he agreed to adjourn the matter to July 17. This delay allows the Probation Service to assess Murphy's suitability for the Restorative Justice Programme. The judge remarked that while Murphy was able to demand money, he should now demonstrate the ability to apologize. Defense counsel requested that no immediate jail term be imposed so Murphy could be present for the birth of his first child, noting that €3,000 was available in court as compensation. The matter was adjourned, not concluded.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man pretended to be journalist to extort money from elderly sex offender, court hears. Charges or matters: theft at an address in Foxrock, Dublin on October 28, 2014; 14 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving nine victims. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 28, 2014 Incident
- July 17 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-05-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: theft at an address in Foxrock, Dublin on October 28, 2014; 14 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving nine victims (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Desmond Hogan agreed to put the matter back to July 17 so Murphy can be assessed by the Probation Service for his suitability for the Restorative Justice Programme. "He was well able to call to the man's house to demand money, let's see if he's able to call to his house to apologise," the judge said.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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