Courts / Dublin / Report
Man jailed for sending "grossly threatening" text messages to ex-girlfriend
Summary
Dean Brennan, aged 28, was jailed after sending 13 "grossly threatening" text messages to his ex‑girlfriend Louise Hanna and her new partner Richard Doyle. The texts, sent on 18 and 26 December 2014, included threats to shoot Hanna, blow her head off, burn her house and kill both her and Doyle. Brennan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a four‑year prison sentence, suspending the last two years on the condition that Brennan remains drug and alcohol free and continues counselling with Probation Services. She also ordered that he must not communicate with the victims or their families, nor approach within half a mile of their homes or workplaces for seven years. Brennan had been recently released from prison when the texts were sent. The court noted his prior convictions, including robbery and nine public order offences, and his participation in anger‑management and drug‑recovery programmes.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man jailed for sending "grossly threatening" text messages to ex-girlfriend. Charges or matters: making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Ms Hanna at McKee Park, Finglas on December 18, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 18, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 26, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-07-17 Publication
Why: The victim said her life had changed since the threats because she was now afraid to go out and do normal things. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Ms Hanna at McKee Park, Finglas on December 18, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Pauline Codd imposed a four year prison sentence but suspended the last two years on condition Brennan remains drug and alcohol free during that time and continues to receive counselling with the Probation Services.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Public Order Stage Sentence Theft
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