Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who harassed couple sacrifices reduced prison term by cursing at judge
Summary
George Murray, 46, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for harassing a couple, Gareth Sexton and Nora Artola, over a period of almost six months. He repeatedly threatened to kill the occupants, screamed at them, and entered their garden, causing the couple to install CCTV cameras. Murray pleaded guilty to harassment and burglary at Church Avenue South, Rialto, between 12 November 2014 and 3 March 2015, and had 37 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan initially suspended the last 12 months of the sentence, but after Murray shouted and cursed at the judge and his lawyers, the judge imposed the full term. Murray has a chronic psychiatric disorder, uses anti‑psychotic medication, and has a history of substance abuse. The couple's CCTV footage and victim impact reports were presented in court but not read out. The judge noted that while Murray's mental health is serious, his crime was serious and the couple felt threatened.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who harassed couple sacrifices reduced prison term by cursing at judge. Charges or matters: harassment and burglary at Church Avenue South, Rialto on dates between November 12, 2014 and March 3, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 12, 2014 Incident
- March 3, 2015 Incident
- May 2014 Adjournment
- September 2012 Adjournment
- March 4 Other
- 2015-06-16 Publication
Why: George Murray (46), who suffers from a chronic mental illness, harassed the couple because he believed murderers were living in their home. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: harassment and burglary at Church Avenue South, Rialto on dates between November 12, 2014 and March 3, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He has been jailed for three and half years. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three and a half year term and initially suspended the last 12 months of the sentence.
Places mentioned
- Buckingham Street
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Church Avenue
- Central Mental Hospital
Topics
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