Disclosure granted in case of Wicklow man accused of posting false information about migrant on social media

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Disclosure has been granted in the case of a Wicklow man who allegedly shared a social media post that falsely accused a migrant of indecent behaviour.

Kirk Loco (44), of Waverley Meadow, Broomhall, Co. Wicklow, appeared before Bray District Court charged that, on June 21, 2024, at his home, he distributed or published a threatening or grossly offensive communication with intent to cause harm, contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.

It is alleged that Mr Loco published a post that included a photo of a migrant man who was living in Trudder House, Newtownmountkennedy, sleeping on a bus. He falsely claimed that the man had exposed himself to a 14-year-old girl during the journey.

The post also claimed that anybody who welcomed men like the one in the video or helped them integrate into the community was to blame.

The court was told that disclosure will be made available within the next day or two. Sergeant Mike Cannavan described the disclosure as “extensive”.

Legal aid was granted for Mr Loco, with the court told that he has mortgage payments and is currently earning €700 per week.

A statement of means and copies of his payments were handed into the court.

Judge Áine Shannon adjourned the matter until February 16, 2026 for a plea or a date.