Courts / Cork / Report

Woman avoids jail for harassing children's hospital doctor

Date
2022-11-24
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Cork
County
Cork

Summary

Marlies Walsh, 50, of Pedlers Cross, Clonakilty, pleaded guilty to one count of harassment at Temple Street Hospital, Dublin, after contacting a doctor and hospital staff by phone and email from December 2017 to August 2020. She sought a patient‑advocacy role for her 20‑year‑old son, a kidney‑transplant patient, but the hospital declined. Walsh repeatedly called, emailed, and visited the hospital, sending parcels that alarmed the doctor. A formal complaint was made to Gardaí in February 2019. She was charged in April 2020 and faced bail conditions to stay away from the hospital, which she initially breached. In August 2020 she complied. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a two‑year sentence, suspended on strict conditions, and banned Walsh from contacting the doctor or the hospital for 20 years. The court noted her guilty plea, good character, and the stress of her son's illness.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman avoids jail for harassing children's hospital doctor. Charges or matters: one count of harassment at Temple Street Hospital, Dublin. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Marlies Walsh

Defendant

Charges: one count of harassment at Temple Street Hospital, Dublin (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Imposing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Sheahan imposed a two-year sentence, which she suspended on strict conditions. She suspended the sentence in full on strict conditions including that Walsh have no contact with the doctor or Children's Hospital Ireland for this period.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Facility
  • Temple Street
  • Temple Street Hospital
  • Children's Hospital
  • The hospital
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Address Area
  • Temple Street

Topics

Stage Sentence

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