Courts / Dublin / Report

Harassment accused considers himself "whistleblower", trial hears

Date
2016-07-07
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A man charged with harassing a garda sergeant considers himself a whistleblower exposing police corruption, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Sean Carraher, aged 55, of Stradbrook Hill, Blackrock, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to harassing Garda Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. The prosecution alleges Mr Carraher posted approximately 50 messages on websites including Rate-Your-Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, accusing Sergeant Gilmartin of corruption and evidence tampering. He is also accused of making between ten and twenty calls to the sergeant. The defendant claims the contact followed a complaint he made to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission regarding alleged assaults on his sons. No findings of wrongdoing have been established against Sergeant Gilmartin. Mr Carraher stated he was exercising freedom of expression rights and invoked comparison with the McBrearty family case in Donegal. The trial continues before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Harassment accused considers himself "whistleblower", trial hears. Charges or matters: harassing Garda Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: " Sgt Gilmartin earlier told Mr Colgan he had sought advice on the matter but that it was pointless to sue because Mr Carraher was "without funds. CNI source report

Case subjects

Sean Carraher

Accused

Charges: harassing Garda Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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