Courts / Dublin / Report

Blameless man attacked after false claims that he was paedophile, court hears

Summary

Stephen McInerney, 29, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and the production of pepper spray after confronting a stranger in Saggart on 14 July 2020. McInerney had read false social‑media claims that the victim was a paedophile and, acting as a vigilante, confronted him while he was walking to the shops. He showed the victim a photo, accused him of paedophilia, threatened to kill him, and sprayed him with pepper spray. The victim fled to a shop, was helped by security staff, and later recorded the incident. CCTV footage and a search of McInerney's home revealed pepper spray and clothes. McInerney admitted he found the spray on a bus and claimed he was sorry. The court adjourned the case to March 2023 for a probation report and ordered McInerney to keep away from the victim.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Blameless man attacked after false claims that he was paedophile, court hears. Charges or matters: assault causing harm and the production of pepper spray on July 14, 2020 at a location in Saggart. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• July 14, 2020 Incident
• March 2023 Adjournment
• July 21, 2020 Incident
• March 27, 2023 Adjournment
• 2022-12-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report