Courts / Dublin / Report
Serial hoaxer avoids jail for phoning in fake bomb alerts
Summary
John Murphy, 47, pleaded guilty to three counts of making false bomb reports in August and October 2022, with a fourth considered. He had previously made 100 hoax calls in one night claiming a bomb at Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park. The judge noted his long period of homelessness and recent stable accommodation at Reuben Square. Defence counsel urged leniency to preserve his home. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a fully suspended three‑year sentence, ordering Murphy to exhibit good behaviour. The court highlighted the inconvenience and stress caused to emergency services and the public, and urged Murphy to stay away from phones. No victim impact statements were presented. Murphy's prior convictions included 30 offences, including three for false reports. The sentence reflects the judge's view that his current stability should not be disrupted by imprisonment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial hoaxer avoids jail for phoning in fake bomb alerts. Charges or matters: three counts of making a false report on dates in August and October 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 3, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 3 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 9, 2022 Incident
- September 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-01-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: three counts of making a false report on dates in August and October 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The judge said Murphy seems to be doing quite well and gave him a fully-suspended sentence of three years, ordering him to be of good behaviour for that period. "His fate is in his own hands.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Reuben Square
- Reuben Street
- Dublin
- James's Street
- Reuben Square
- Phoenix Park
- Leeson Street
Topics
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