Wexford man guilty of harassment after sending over 3,000 emails to public organisation employee
Wexford PeopleA Wexford man who sent over 3,000 emails to a female employee in a public organisation has been convicted of harassment.
Thomas Furlong (40) of Flat 6, 10 Lower Georges Street, Wexford, sent in excess of 3,000 emails to the woman between 2014 and 2018, Wexford District Court was told.
The woman stated that Furlong was not happy with a decision she had made and began receiving numerous phone calls, voicemails, and emails a day. If the employee did not respond, messages were left for her at the main office addressing her specifically. The woman stated she would respond to these messages during work hours for two months until the “problem caller” protocol in place by the organisation was implemented and Furlong was asked to refrain from contacting her further.
The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, recounted an event that took place at Wexford General Hospital in August 2013 where the accused began acting in a threatening and intimidating way towards her. On this occasion An Garda Síochána were called for support and advised the woman to leave the hospital for her own safety.
Furlong was also said to have arranged what he described as a “peaceful protest”. The woman stated that the accused had a megaphone and was making derogatory comments about her and other workers within the organisation.
The woman changed jobs in 2018 and stated that Furlong had made attempts to contact her at her new role up until sometime in 2019.
Detective Garda Darren Coleman gave evidence to the court that the harassment period dated from 2014-2019. The guard informed the court that some 3,000 emails had been sent over that time and gave a breakdown of the contents of some. It was said that in July to December 2014, 42 emails had been sent to the woman accusing her of breaching confidentiality.
Today's News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, October 8
In January to December 2015, 72 emails threatened legal action and made requests that the woman be dismissed from her job. In January to December 2016, there were 43 emails accusing the woman of falsifying reports. Detective Coleman told the court that the emails became more hostile and threatening as they went on, with Furlong accusing the woman of targeting him and setting him up.
Furlong was interviewed on March 19, 2021 in relation to these emails. When the emails were put to the accused in interview, he stated that he was entitled to send these emails and make these phone calls. Furlong did not accept any wrong doing and added that all emails sent were responded to by the organisation.
Thomas Furlong, representing himself, told the court his reasoning behind the emails was a result of his sense of injustice towards an individual.
Furlong stated he had numerous reports which verified the information he had given. The worker, who was present in court, verified this information to be true but felt it would be inappropriate to comment when she has left her role and is no longer involved.
Judge John Cheatle, having read some of the emails sent by Furlong, remarked that the accused had overstepped the mark but that he understands his grievances as from the contents of the emails he is attempting to raise legitimate concerns. The Judge added that the sheer volume of emails does constitute harassment and convicted the man. Judge Cheatle imposed a six month sentence suspended for 12 months on the condition that the accused enter a 12 month probation supervision bond.
Furlong apologised for his actions and stated he did not mean to have a negative impact on anyone and that he was simply concerned for the wellbeing of the individual involved.
The accused is also charged with a second harassment on another worker of the same organisation which has been adjourned to November 25 at Wexford District Court to allow Furlong to get legal representation.