Courts / Ireland / Report
Garda who admits impersonating woman and inciting men to rape her has been hospitalised, court told
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court sentencing hearing, 39‑year‑old Shane Flanagan of Co Clare pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting men to rape a woman between November and December 2020, and to six counts of endangerment for impersonating the woman on Facebook and Fetlife.com, inviting violence that posed a substantial risk of death or serious harm between 2018 and 2020. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of four images of child sexual abuse material. The hearing was adjourned for two weeks after the court was informed that Flanagan had been admitted to hospital earlier that week. A medical report was submitted, and the judge ordered an updated report before the case is mentioned again later in the month. The complainant, who wishes to remain anonymous, was informed of the adjournment. The case remains pending pending the updated medical report.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda who admits impersonating woman and inciting men to rape her has been hospitalised, court told. Charges or matters: two counts of inciting two men to rape a woman on dates between November and December 2020; six counts of endangerment, in that he intentionally or recklessly engaged in impersonating the woman in Facebook communications, and on the website fetlife.com and in which communications invited persons unknown to visit violence upon her and two others, thereby creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm on dates between 2018 and 2020; one count of the possession of four images of child sexual abuse material, known in law as child pornography, on January 7, 2021. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- December 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 7, 2021 Incident
- 2018 and 2020 Incident
- 2025-06-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of inciting two men to rape a woman on dates between November and December 2020; six counts of endangerment, in that he intentionally or recklessly engaged in impersonating the woman in Facebook communications, and on the website fetlife.com and in which communications invited persons unknown to visit violence upon her and two others, thereby creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm on dates between 2018 and 2020; one count of the possession of four images of child sexual abuse material, known in law as child pornography, on January 7, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice McDermott adjourned the case for mention later this month and directed that an updated medical report be provided to the court on that date.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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