Courts / Cavan / Report

Gemma O'Doherty confirms she controls Twitter account alleged to have breached court order

Date
2023-07-25

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Cavan

County
Cavan

Summary

In the High Court, Tuesday Edel Campbell, the plaintiff, secured disclosure orders directing Twitter to identify the operators of two accounts alleged to have breached a court injunction. The defendant, Gemma O'Doherty, confirmed to Mr Justice Brian O'Moore that she controls the '@irishlightpaper' account but denied involvement with the other two accounts, '@cavandrugwatch' and '@michaelmg3'. Ms O'Doherty denies all wrongdoing and intends to contest the allegations. The court granted the orders to allow the plaintiff's legal team to determine who controls the remaining accounts, after which Ms Campbell may decide whether to bring a motion for alleged contempt of court. The case stems from Ms Campbell's claim that Ms O'Doherty, publisher of The Irish Light, unlawfully used an image of her late son, Diego Gilsenan, in an article linking his death to the Covid-19 vaccination. Ms Campbell alleges this constitutes harassment and a breach of her constitutional rights. A previous injunction restrains Ms O'Doherty from harassing the plaintiff, publishing images of the plaintiff or her son, or inciting others to intimidate her. This injunction remains in place pending the final outcome of the action. The matter was adjourned to allow for the disclosure of the identities of the other account controllers.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gemma O'Doherty confirms she controls Twitter account alleged to have breached court order. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

August 2021 Other
2023-07-25 Publication

Why: Previously, the court heard that Ms Campbell claims she has been harassed by Ms O'Doherty because she has sued the defendant over the alleged unauthorised publication of an image of the plaintiff's late son. Court evidence reported by CNI