Courts / Dublin / Report

'Very strange': former Meta worker turned up at HQ to confront colleague over fake dating profile

Summary

Leonardo Fernandez, 29, of Coolock, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to assaulting a security worker and a public order offence on 30 December 2024 at Meta's Ballsbridge premises in Dublin 4. The defendant, a former kitchen porter, admitted to the charges after Gardaí alleged he lingered on the site before running towards the pedestrian entrance. Prosecution evidence stated that when a security officer attempted to speak to him, Fernandez swung his arms towards the worker, causing the officer to fall and hit his head. Fernandez was subsequently restrained by staff. Defence solicitor Patricia Camilon submitted that Fernandez believed he had arranged to meet a former colleague, who allegedly used his photograph without consent to create a false dating profile intended to control him and tarnish his image. She argued he reported the matter to Gardaí previously and attended the premises as a last resort. Judge Anne Watkin described the case as "very strange" and noted that the defendant's behaviour resulted in injury to the security worker. The court heard Fernandez has no previous convictions. The matter was adjourned for a probation report and a victim impact statement from the injured party to 27 April at Dún Laoghaire District Court for finalisation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Very strange': former Meta worker turned up at HQ to confront colleague over fake dating profile. Charges or matters: assaulting a security worker and to a public order offence on 30 December, 2024 at Meta' Ballsbridge premises in Dublin 4. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 30 December Incident
• 27 April Adjournment
• 2025-12-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Public Order Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report