Donal Maguire pleads not guilty to harassment

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Donal Maguire pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to harassing a female sergeant at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, reported on 15 June 2016. The alleged harassment involved a Valentine’s Card, emails and a Facebook friend request sent despite warnings from his superiors.

Maguire faced two counts covering periods between February and March 2012 and between August 2012 and February 2013. Prosecuting counsel said the harassment itself was not disputed, but the jury had to decide whether he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time.

The trial was continuing before Judge Elma Sheahan, with evidence expected from consultant psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright about whether Maguire understood that his actions were wrong and could refrain from them.