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Self-proclaimed "whistle-blower" found guilty of harassing garda
Summary
A Dublin man has been convicted of harassing a garda sergeant through approximately 50 online posts and harassing phone calls over a two-year period. Sean Carraher, aged 55, was found guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of harassing Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. The posts, made on legal profession websites, included allegations that the sergeant had withheld evidence and claims regarding his personal conduct. Carraher had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by jury following deliberation. He claimed the posts constituted protected freedom of expression and that he was acting as a whistleblower exposing alleged garda corruption. The court heard no findings of wrongdoing have been established against Sergeant Gilmartin. Following conviction, Carraher was remanded in custody despite the prosecution not objecting to bail. He is due for sentencing on 27 July, when a victim impact report from Sergeant Gilmartin will be presented to the court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Self-proclaimed "whistle-blower" found guilty of harassing garda. Charges or matters: posting about 50 messages on the websites Rate-Your-Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, alleging, among other things, that Sgt Conor Gilmartin had withheld evidence in a previous case involving the accused; harassing Sgt Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- March 2009 Adjournment
- May 2011 Adjournment
- July 27th Adjournment
- August 2010 Other
- September 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-07-14 Publication
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
Convicted Person
Charges: posting about 50 messages on the websites Rate-Your-Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, alleging, among other things, that Sgt Conor Gilmartin had withheld evidence in a previous case involving the accused; harassing Sgt Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Carraher will be sentenced on July 27th when the court will also hear a victim impact report from Sgt Gilmartin.; Judge Patrick McCartan remanded Carraher in custody following the verdict, despite the prosecution stating it had no objection to bail as long as Carraher refrained from posting about the case online.
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