Wicklow man accused of false migrant claim permitted to protest but not near IPAS centres
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man accused of publishing a social media post allegedly containing false claims about a migrant living in international protection accommodation has been allowed to resume attending protests, provided they are not near IPAS centres.
Kirk Loco (44), of Waverley Meadow, Broomhall, Co Wicklow, appeared before a sitting of Bray District Court.
It is alleged 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.
The legislation is commonly known as Coco’s Law and was introduced following the death of Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox in 2018, after she experienced sustained online abuse.
It created specific criminal offences targeting harmful online communications and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Mr Loco is accused of publishing a social media post that included a photograph of a migrant man living in international protection accommodation in Newtownmountkennedy while sleeping on a bus.
It is alleged that in the post he falsely claimed the man had exposed himself to a 14-year-old girl during the journey. The post also allegedly stated that anybody who welcomed men like the man in the photograph, or helped them integrate into the community, was to blame.
Counsel for the defendant, Laoise de Brún, instructed by Langsch & Cunnane Solicitors LLP, told the court that an application was being made to amend bail conditions, as previous conditions required Loco to stay away from IPAS centres and protests.
Ms de Brún argued the condition should be removed, as the charge before the court related to an alleged tweet and online publication and had “nothing to do with anything in a public setting”.
She further stated that the conditions were “disproportionate” and that “he is a citizen of Ireland”.
Sergeant Mick Canavan said the allegations before the court had caused “disturbance nationally”. He added that the conditions were in place to “prevent other citizens from having their ways impeded”.
“They must preserve the peace and goodwill of the area of Newtown and the people living in it,” said Sgt Canavan.
Judge O’Connell enquired whether the conditions affected Mr Loco’s daily life, such as collecting children from school or attending work.
However, the court heard that defence counsel disputed that the accused was the author of the alleged social media post and argued that the conditions prevented him from exercising his right to peaceful protest.
Ms de Brún stated that her client was a citizen journalist, broadcaster and a highly educated and skilled worker.
The judge granted the application and amended the conditions, with Mr Loco now permitted to attend protests, provided they do not take place near international protection settings.
Mr Loco entered a plea of not guilty and took a trial date in September. He is due back before Bray District Court on September 25.