Wicklow man accused of making false allegation against migrant changes legal team
The Wicklow PeopleA change of legal team has been confirmed for a Wicklow man who is accused of sharing a social media post that allegedly falsely claimed a migrant exposed himself to a teenage girl
Kirk Loco (44), of Waverley Meadow, Broomhall, County 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.
The law created specific criminal offences targeting harmful online communications and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
It is alleged he published a post on social media that included a photo of a migrant man who was living in International Protection accommodation in Newtownmountkennedy, sleeping on a bus.
Mr Loco is also accused of falsely claiming 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 one in the video, or helped them integrate into the community, was to blame.
Counsel for the defendant, Laoise de Bruń, informed the court that Mr Loco’s current solicitor was coming off record. Legal aid was transferred to Langsch & Cunnane Solicitors LLP.
Ms de Bruń said Mr Loco is fully contesting the matter and made an application for further disclosure to be granted to his new legal team, which was granted by Judge David Kennedy.
Multiple supporters of Mr Loco were present in court.
He is due to appear again before Bray District Court for mention on March 2.