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"Mild school banter" led to mum's harassment, court hears
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Aisling McCann, aged 34, pleaded guilty to nine harassment charges stemming from two months of anonymous phone calls, emails, and orchestrated deliveries directed at a former family friend. The harassment began in September 2015 after a minor school‑banter incident between the women's daughters. McCann, who was experiencing personal stress, including financial hardship and her daughter's entry into secondary school, used a blocked number and her own smartphone to contact the victim. Garda Sergeant Gerry Holland described the behaviour as irrational and completely remorseful once confronted. Judge Melanie Greally, noting McCann's lack of prior convictions and early guilty plea, imposed a 12‑month prison sentence but suspended it, citing her vulnerable life stage and the absence of further offences. The victim declined to give a victim impact statement, expressing relief that the harassment had ceased. The former friendship between the families was reported as irretrievably broken.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Mild school banter" led to mum's harassment, court hears. Charges or matters: nine charges of harassment on various dates between September 11 and November 22, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 2015 Other
- September 11 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 22, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-06-20 Publication
Why: Counsel said McCann was drinking at the time and was under stress because her family home was in negative equity and her daughter was starting secondary school. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: nine charges of harassment on various dates between September 11 and November 22, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: In imposing sentence, Judge Greally said McCann was a responsible and supportive parent who was going through a difficult period in her life.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- McCann's house
Topics
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