John Whelan, 47, avoided jail after a four‑year suspended sentence for possession of child pornography. He had previously pleaded guilty to harassing eight women at the National Rehabilitation Hospital between July 2011 and January 2012, for which he received a suspended sentence in 2012. Gardaí discovered over 5,500 child pornographic images on his laptop during the harassment investigation, including six explicit child sex images and the rest of children exposing themselves or animated. The images were downloaded between 2009 and 2012. Judge Martin Nolan noted that the Garda Cyber Crime Bureau lacked resources, delaying analysis until 2016, which allowed the prosecution to proceed. He suspended a three‑year sentence on strict conditions, requiring Whelan to engage with the Probation Service for 18 months, citing his role as a carer for elderly parents and low risk of re‑offending.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal against the conviction of Sean Carraher for harassing Sgt Conor Gilmartin. Carraher, who pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, was convicted by a jury of harassing the sergeant between March 2009 and May 2011. The allegations included making ten to twelve abusive telephone calls and publishing 58 internet postings on three websites, which contained claims that the officer was corrupt and unfaithful. Carraher had been sentenced to five years' imprisonment by Judge Patrick McCartan, who stated the tariff was intended to deter others from spreading grossly defamatory information. In his appeal, Carraher's counsel argued that the prosecution breached its duty to disclose his own telephone records, which were not put before the jury. However, Mr Justice Alan Mahon, sitting with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice John Hedigan, ruled that the prosecution was not in breach of its disclosure duties. The court found that the records were available to Carraher, their absence did not prejudice his defence, and the trial remained fair. The judges noted that while the phone calls were heard by limited personnel, the internet postings were public. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, upholding the original conviction and sentence.
Colin Brady, aged 44, was sentenced to one year in prison for harassing his former girlfriend in Dublin between 21 September and 2 November last year. He breached his bail conditions 46 times, contacting her after being charged and sending 275 messages over three days. Brady broke her apartment door on 25 September, prompting Garda Emma Brady to call the police. The victim, who feared for her life, suffered extreme anxiety and lost work. Brady had previously been ordered to stay away from her and remain outside Dublin. He has seven prior convictions in Ireland and a robbery conviction in the UK. The judge, Martin Nolan, noted Brady had "terrified" the victim and imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final two years on conditions including no contact with the victim. He was also ordered to pay the cost of the broken door. Colin Brady pleaded guilty.
Conor O'Hora, 40, of Heather Walk, Portmarnock, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to harassing RTÉ newsreader Sharon Ní Bheoláin between 27 March 2013 and 7 January 2014 without lawful authority or excuse. He also pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing child pornography on a hard drive on 18 February 2014. His defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, argued the plea was based on recklessness and requested time for a therapeutic report before sentencing. Judge Martin Nolan set the sentencing hearing for 16 May 2018, when full facts will be considered.
A 59-year-old businesswoman from Virginia, Cavan has been handed a three-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to harassing three former employees at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Helen Rahill sent 93 emails and made 660 calls over a ten-month period between January and October 2015, following the liquidation of her company in 2011. The former employees subsequently purchased the company's assets and continued operating the business. Rahill, who had initially accepted the arrangement, began contacting them in January 2015, sending messages ranging from complaints to abusive allegations. She briefly apologised in May 2015 but resumed the harassment despite receiving a solicitor's letter requesting she cease contact. Judge Martin Nolan noted Rahill's remorse and successful business background, finding no likelihood of re-offence. A non-contact order has been imposed as part of her sentence.
A prosecution barrister has told jurors at the Central Criminal Court that there is no credible basis for a provocation defence in the trial of a man accused of murder in Longford. Rihards Lavickis, aged 25 of Annaly Court, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of Akadiusz Czajkowski on November 1st, 2016 at Townspark. The State rejected the manslaughter plea, and the case proceeded to trial. Patrick McGrath SC argued that the accused deliberately killed Mr Czajkowski with a knife and that the three-and-a-half hour gap between discovering his broken windows and the fatal stabbing demonstrated calculated behaviour rather than a sudden loss of control. The defence counsel contended that his client, who admits responsibility, was provoked by ongoing harassment and a assault by the deceased. Justice Una Ní Raifeartaigh will charge the jury on Tuesday.
A detective sergeant of An Garda Siochana, Eve Doherty, aged 50, was found guilty by a jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013. The harassment consisted of abusive letters and emails sent to Howlin's home, workplace and GP, calling her a "corrupt bitch", an "incompetent useless hobbit" and a "two‑faced bitch". Doherty also distributed leaflets around Howlin's housing estate, falsely claiming Howlin was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect those connected to her or the government. She was found not guilty of two counts of making false statements in March 2012. Doherty was sentenced to three years' imprisonment. The judge noted that Doherty maintained her innocence, showed no remorse, and was considered at low risk of re‑offending. She had no prior convictions and was suspended from the force but remained a serving member.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, judge Martin Nolan sentenced 23‑year‑old Eduard Boaca to seven years in prison for two separate offences. The first, committed on 18 December 2016, involved Boaca following a woman off a Nitelink bus, robbing her, threatening her with a knife and demanding oral sex. He was convicted of robbery and sexual assault and received a five‑year term. The second offence, on 4 May 2017, saw Boaca lock a woman in a McDonald's toilet cubicle, again threatening with a knife and demanding oral sex. He pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and was given a four‑year term, to run consecutively with the first. The judge suspended the final two years of the sentence, hoping for Boaca's rehabilitation. Boaca's prior convictions were for minor offences. The court heard that the victim's trust in men was severely affected, and she suffered financial loss and emotional distress following the attacks.
Conor O'Hora, 40, of Heather Walk, Portmarnock, is scheduled to plead at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 20 February. He faces three charges: harassment of RTÉ newsreader Sharon Ní Bheoláin at various locations from 20 October 2013 to 16 February 2014, and two counts of possessing child pornography in text communications and images during the same period. O'Hora appeared before Judge Martin Nolan today. No Garda objection has been raised to the bail conditions set in October, which require him to remain at his current address and to have no direct or indirect contact with anyone involved in the investigation.
In November 2016, Deming Gao, a Chinese-born naturalised Irish Garda, reported persistent bullying, harassment and racial torment by colleagues after he raised concerns with superiors and a welfare officer. Following the complaint, he was allegedly branded a "rat," isolated, and subjected to verbal attacks, leading to a doctor's assessment that he was unfit for work due to stress. Gao's injury was initially classified as an injury on duty but was re‑classified in May 2017 as an ordinary illness, backdated to his leave start date, without explanation or consultation with his medical advisers or the Garda's chief medical officer. The Garda Commissioner also began deducting alleged over‑payments from his nominal weekly payments. Gao has sued the Commissioner, seeking to quash the re‑classification, restore the original injury status, and declare the re‑classification unlawful, with the case set for a December hearing.
John Behan, aged 53, was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment for harassing Patricia Buckley, the manager of a Paddy Powers Bookmakers branch in Edenmore, Dublin, from September 2014 to March 2016. The court heard that Behan subjected Buckley to "almost daily terror," threatening her, abusing her in the store and on the street, and forcing her to be escorted to her car. He had previously been convicted of assaulting Buckley by throwing a bottle, for which he received a five‑month sentence in May 2017. Behan pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and said he now understood the harm he caused. Judge Martin Nolan described the harassment as persistent, serious and insidious, imposed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence with the final year suspended, and ordered Behan to avoid Buckley's home and workplace for 15 years. The court also noted that Buckley had suffered panic attacks, sleep deprivation and heart palpitations as a result of the harassment.
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally ordered that Eve Doherty, 50, be remanded in custody next Monday ahead of her sentencing on January 19. Doherty, a detective sergeant with An Garda Síochána, was found guilty by a jury of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013. The jury found her not guilty of two counts of making false statements in March 2012. The trial heard that Doherty sent abusive letters and emails to Ms Howlin, her workplace, and her GP, using anonymous accounts from an internet café. Judge Greally stated that a custodial sentence is "inevitable," citing Doherty's lack of a guilty plea and evident remorse. The judge rejected the defence's request for a community service sentence, despite character references and a psychological report detailing Doherty's severe work-related stress, depression, and anxiety. Doherty has no previous convictions and was suspended from the force but remains a serving member. She was ordered to organise her affairs before being placed into custody on Monday morning.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Danny Keena, the teenage son of the accused, who is not named because of his age, gave emotional testimony about his father's behaviour towards his mother, Brigid Maguire. He described how Keena had threatened to kill her, saying "I'd kill you," and had repeatedly harassed her, including an incident where he spilled milk on her hair. The son recalled being woken one night in sixth class when Keena held a hammer and threatened his mother, and that he and his sister tried to protect her but were prevented from leaving. He said that after the family moved out in September 2015, Keena continued to threaten her. The son's testimony was interrupted by a break when he became upset. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of seven men and five women.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Detective Sergeant Eve Doherty, aged 49, was found guilty of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin. Doherty had pleaded not guilty to the harassment charge and to two counts of making false statements alleging Howlin was perverting the course of justice. The jury convicted her on the harassment charge but acquitted her on the false statements. The court heard that Doherty sent abusive letters and emails to Howlin's home, workplace and GP, calling her a "corrupt bitch" and other slurs, and that she also distributed A4 posters claiming Howlin was a political appointee who would "pull" files. Doherty was remanded on continuing bail until 27 October, with conditions prohibiting contact with parties in the proceedings and no social‑media postings about the case. The trial lasted just over three hours and involved 15 days of evidence. The judge thanked the jury for their careful assessment of the evidence.
The jury in the trial of Sergeant Eve Doherty, a 49‑year‑old Garda detective, will resume deliberations after a brief recess. Doherty is accused of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 by sending letters and emails that called Howlin a "corrupt bitch" and an "incompetent useless hobbit," and by placing A4 posters around Howlin's housing estate that falsely claimed Howlin was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect people connected to her or the Government. Howlin, who worked with the Director of Public Prosecutions and is a distant cousin of TD Brendan Howlin, denies the allegations. Judge Melanie Greally instructed the jury to base any verdict solely on the evidence presented in court, warning against external research or discussion.
In a 14‑day trial, Detective Eve Doherty, 49, denies harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin from September 2011 to March 2013 and making false statements in March 2013 that Howlin was perverting justice. Howlin, who worked with the Director of Public Prosecutions, received letters, emails and A4 posters calling her a "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit", and falsely claiming she was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect people linked to her or the Government. Doherty admitted sending an email from a Hushmail account while in a Wired internet café on 29 September 2013, but argued it was a protected disclosure and not harassment. Prosecutor Kerida Naidoo presented circumstantial evidence that all communications came from the same source and contained personal details only a small group could know, suggesting jealousy as motive. The jury will deliberate on Monday under Judge Melanie Greally.
The trial of Detective Sergeant Eve Doherty, who denies harassing Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 and making false statements in March 2013, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Doherty faces charges related to letters, emails, and posters sent to Ms Howlin, then a DPP solicitor, containing defamatory claims. On day 13, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC questioned Chief Superintendent John O'Driscoll regarding a separate man under investigation for harassment and facing trial for threatening a garda via Facebook. The court heard this man's previous District Court convictions for harassment and assault were overturned on appeal. Chief Supt O'Driscoll testified that the man's modus operandi differed from the case against Doherty, noting the man used his own name without anonymity and did not use emails, posters, or letters. The superintendent stated the Facebook posts dated to August 2015 and confirmed that any new lines of inquiry would not be ignored. The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Detective Sergeant Eve Doherty (49) denies harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 and making false statements in March 2013 that Howlin was perverting the course of justice. Howlin, who worked with the Director of Public Prosecutions, received letters and emails over 18 months that called her a "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit," and claimed she was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect those connected to her or the Government. The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, included testimony from civilian Garda Suzanne Lindsay, who identified 60 literary features common to the documents linked to Howlin and the defendant, and from Chief Superintendent John O'Driscoll, who confirmed that the author of the posts was the subject of three ongoing criminal investigations. The case remains before the jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Detective Sergeant Eve Doherty (49) denies harassing Elizabeth Howlin, a former DPP officer, between September 2011 and March 2013. Doherty is accused of sending abusive letters and emails, calling Howlin a "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit," and of making false statements that Howlin was perverting the course of justice. The material, including A4 posters, alleged Howlin was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect those connected to her or the Government. On day eleven, civilian Gardai member Suzanne Lindsay presented a linguistic analysis of the documents, identifying 60 literary features common to both the "Liz Howlin" documents and suspect documents linked to Doherty. These features included spelling and punctuation errors, repeated insults, and claims of nepotism, waste of taxpayer money, and calls for EU intervention. The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, with Mr O'Higgins expected to cross‑examine Ms Lindsay tomorrow.
Neven Vukovic, 40, received a suspended three‑year sentence for assault causing harm to his ex‑partner Fionnuala Ní Mhartín after a September 2015 attack at her Dublin home. Vukovic had previously pleaded guilty to assault and had a prior conviction for cannabis possession in Croatia. The assault involved punches and kicks, including a full‑force punch to the eye, resulting in a fractured eye socket and other injuries. Following the attack, Vukovic repeatedly threatened and harassed Ní Mhartín via text and Facebook, sending messages that included threats of violence and death. The court imposed a 30‑year prohibition on any contact with Ní Mhartín and ordered Vukovic to stay away from her. He has since completed anger‑management and counselling courses. The judge noted his remorse and lack of prior violent convictions. The sentence was suspended for three years.
The trial of Garda Eve Doherty, aged 49, for alleged harassment of State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin, has shown that none of the fingerprints found on abusive material matched Doherty's prints. Doherty denies harassing Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 and denies making false statements in March 2013 that Howlin was perverting the course of justice. Howlin, a directing officer with the DPP, received letters and emails calling her a "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit", and falsely claiming she was a political appointee who would "pull" files. Detective Garda Conor Kiely presented evidence that fingerprints on four posters, a letter to the DPP, a letter to Howlin's home and a letter to the DPP's office did not match Doherty's prints.
Francis McGuinness, a Dublin businessman who sells articulated trucks, has filed High Court proceedings to stop the Gardai from watching or besetting him at his home or business. He claims that for several years the Gardai have intimidated him, seized his property and acted unlawfully. In a sworn statement he said he is not a criminal and that an incident earlier this month involved a Gardai stopping him on the M50, informing him his motor insurance had been cancelled 45 minutes earlier, and calling the Garda commissioner "Mammy." McGuinness alleges the Gardai warned him of a breach of the peace, said they "knew his face" and would see him again. He seeks injunctions preventing the Gardai from attending his premises, from seizing further property, and for the return of property he says was unlawfully taken, including a Kobelco excavator and a Volvo truck that were sold in contravention of 2013 court orders.
During a trial for harassing a State solicitor, a Dublin garda, Eve Doherty, 49, was found to have worn a wig and sunglasses while sending anonymous emails from an internet café. The emails, sent between September 2011 and March 2013, targeted Elizabeth Howlin, a directing officer at the Director of Public Prosecutions, with slurs such as "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit." They also falsely claimed Howlin was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect those connected to her or the Government. Evidence showed the emails originated from Hushmail addresses linked to the Wired café on Aungier Street. Doherty admitted she had received a document, added to it, and forwarded it to recipients at the Courts Service, the Financial Ombudsman and the Ombudsman. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The trial of Garda Eve Doherty, aged 49, continues in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after the jury was absent. Doherty, a Dublin-based Garda, is charged with harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin from September 2011 to March 2013 and making false statements that Howlin was perverting the course of justice. She has pleaded not guilty. Judge Melanie Greally is hearing a legal argument and will rule on the issue Thursday morning. The jury is scheduled to return on Thursday to hear further evidence.
During a trial in Dublin, a 49‑year‑old Garda, Eve Doherty, was charged with harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 and making false statements that Howlin was perverting the course of justice. The prosecution presented a poster that had photographs of Howlin and her distant cousin Brendan Howlin, TD, printed on it. The posters were reportedly left on cars around Howlin's estate in Blackrock, south Co. Dublin, and falsely claimed that Howlin was a corrupt State solicitor who had interfered in the prosecution of a local family of "drug dealers". The photograph used on the posters was taken in 2007 during a meeting between a committee within the Department of Justice and then‑Minister Brian Lenihan. It was uploaded to the website criminalcode.ie, and the prosecution argued that the only way the photo could have been obtained was from that site.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, State solicitor Eve Doherty, aged 49, denied harassing DPP directing officer Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013 and refuting claims that Howlin was perverting justice. Doherty said she had no idea how a "disgruntled" person could know Howlin's personal details, noting that Howlin's role involved deciding on prosecutions. Howlin testified that letters and emails sent to her home, workplace and GP called her a "corrupt bitch" and "incompetent useless hobbit," alleging she was a political appointee who would "pull" files to protect government associates. She denied the allegations, stating they were untrue but contained true personal details. Doherty's counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, insisted the accusations were unfounded and that the system was often "rigged" against those not prosecuted. The case remains before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty and had the case struck out.
Eve Doherty, a garda based in Dublin, has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accused of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin and making false statements. The accused, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is alleged to have sent a series of letters and emails between September 2011 and March 2013. These communications purported to describe Ms Howlin as politically corrupt and claimed she attempted to pervert the course of justice. Specifically, the charges include harassment and making false statements on March 1, 2012, and March 31, 2012. Prosecutors stated that the material contained abusive language and false allegations that Ms Howlin, who worked in the Director of Public Prosecutions office, interfered with prosecutions. Ms Howlin testified that the claims were untrue and caused her significant anxiety. The defense, represented by Michael O'Higgins SC, maintains that Ms Doherty denies authoring the letters and emails. Regarding specific allegations concerning a diving company, Ms Howlin clarified that while her brother and ex-husband were directors, the company was prosecuted under health and safety laws and fined following an accident, contradicting claims of murder. The trial is currently ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
Patrick McClean, a 72‑year‑old retired seaman, sent six threatening "poison pen" letters to Garda Claire McGuigan after she issued him a fixed fine notice for a driving offence. The letters, described by the judge as "obscene, vile and rambling," were sent to Raheny Garda Station between 4 August and 29 September 2016. McClean pleaded guilty to harassing the garda and admitted he was unlikely to re‑offend. In a victim impact statement, McGuigan expressed confusion and fear, noting the letters had affected her work and personal life. Judge Martin Nolan, recognising McClean's age and lack of prior convictions, imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspended in full, thereby avoiding a jail term. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Colin Joyce, 36, an autistic medical‑school drop‑out, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 21 March 2017. He pleaded guilty to three counts of providing false information about bomb threats made between February and April 2015, and to reckless damage to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) on 1 July 2015. The threats were directed at the Criminal Courts of Justice, St Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital and the Civic Offices at Wood Quay. Joyce had previously been given a three‑year suspended sentence in February 2015 for sending harassing letters to former supervisors at RCSI. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case, suspended a new three‑year sentence on strict conditions: Joyce must be supervised by the Probation Service, attend medical appointments, take prescribed medication, and abstain from alcohol. The court noted that Joyce had caused €2,861 of damage to RCSI when he threw paint over the front door and smashed several windows in July 2015.
The State apologised to the Topolnicki family of Ashmount, Clonsilla, after the Gardaí repeatedly called their home on eight occasions over three years, searching for a person who did not live there. The family, represented by Pat O'Connell SC and Breffni Gordan Bl, had sued the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice, Ireland and the Attorney General, seeking orders restraining the Gardaí from entering or attending their dwelling and from harassing or intimidating family members. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan heard that the State offered an unconditional apology and that the Gardaí had made a mistake by calling the wrong address. The family had previously secured an undertaking that the Gardaí would not intrude unless authorised by a valid warrant. The injunction action was settled and could be struck out, and the family were to recover their legal costs.
The State withdrew a charge against Geraldine Delahunty, a disabled woman, who had been accused of harassing 98FM presenter Jeremy Dixon between 4 August 2014 and 16 January 2015. The alleged harassment involved social media communications and was charged under section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the prosecution entered a nolle prosequi, meaning the case would not proceed. A prior hearing had heard a psychologist's report stating Ms Delahunty was incapable of standing trial and that her condition was unlikely to improve with time or medication. The defence argued that her disability, rather than a psychiatric issue, was the main concern, noting she lived under constant supervision of her parents. The Director of Public Prosecutions had requested an independent expert to examine Ms Delahunty, and the prosecution acknowledged a delay in responding to the defence report. The case was adjourned to the day the charge was withdrawn.
Mihail Ghimisli, 35, a taxi‑driver originally from Romania, was found guilty of harassing his ex‑girlfriend Larina Belova on four occasions between May and July 2014. The court described his behaviour as stemming from "unrequited love" and noted that Belova had suffered ongoing distress, having moved homes, changed jobs and sold her car because of the harassment. Judge Melanie Greally imposed an 18‑month sentence, suspended in full, with strict conditions: Ghimisli must leave Ireland within 48 hours, provide his Romanian address to the investigating officer, and may not communicate with Belova for ten years or approach within 20 kilometres of her home or workplace. Failure to comply would constitute a separate offence. The judge warned that non‑compliance could result in his return to Ireland for prosecution. Ghimisli pleaded guilty and expressed a desire to apologise, but the court emphasised the seriousness of his repeated harassment.
A 35‑year‑old taxi driver from Romania, Mihail Ghimisli, appeared in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court charged with harassing his ex‑girlfriend, Larina Belova, on four occasions between May and July 2014. He pleaded guilty to one count of harassment. Ghimisli had two earlier convictions for harassing Belova after their brief relationship ended in 2011, and he has a total of six previous convictions. The court heard that Belova lived in constant fear, moved homes, changed jobs and sold her car because of the harassment. Witnesses described Ghimisli following her to a petrol station, knocking on her door, grabbing her hand as she entered a friend's house, and throwing flowers and chocolates at her car. Ghimisli offered to leave Ireland if given a suspended sentence. The judge noted a psychological element and adjourned the case for sentencing.
Anne Fennell, aged 57, received a suspended five‑year sentence for repeatedly making obscene and threatening phone calls to President Michael D. Higgins, the Department of Finance, the European Commission, An Post, and several TDs between February and December 2014. She also pleaded guilty to harassing Fr Desmond Byrne in 2006. The court noted that many of her threats were taken seriously and required significant resources to investigate, but that she had no prior convictions and a vulnerable psychological background. Judge Melanie Greally imposed consecutive sentences totaling five years, suspended in full, and ordered 18 months of probation with psychiatric and therapeutic services. The decision reflected her remorse and the lack of evidence that she could carry out the threats. The case highlighted the seriousness of her conduct and the court's focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
In September 2015, Neven Vukovic, a 40‑year‑old Croatian man, attacked his ex‑partner Fionnuala Ní Mhartín at her Dublin home. After the couple had split two days earlier, Vukovic entered the house, attempted to hug her, and when she refused, he slapped her on the head and then repeatedly punched and kicked her. The assault left her with a fractured eye socket and other injuries. Vukovic later sent harassing text and Facebook messages, including threats, for weeks. Gardaí arrested him and he pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He was charged with assault and harassment, placed on bail with strict conditions, and a sentencing hearing was adjourned to April. He has since attended anger‑management and counselling courses.
Sean Carraher, aged 55, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for harassing Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. Carraher posted 58 messages on Rate‑Your‑Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, alleging that Gilmartin had withheld evidence in a prior case and was corrupt. He also made up to 12 harassing phone calls. He pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was convicted after nearly six hours of jury deliberation. Carraher had a prior 2011 conviction for harassing his wife. Judge Patrick McCartan imposed the sentence to deter others from spreading grossly defamatory information, noting Carraher's lack of remorse and use of internet anonymity. No findings of wrongdoing were made against Gilmartin. The case highlighted the impact of the harassment on Gilmartin and his family, who deleted social media accounts and a charity webpage to protect themselves.
In a 2016 Central Criminal Court trial, the prosecution argued that Marta Herda, a 29‑year‑old Polish waitress, deliberately drove her car into the sea at Arklow harbour on 26 March 2013, resulting in the drowning of 31‑year‑old Csaba Orsos. Herda, who was in the car with Orsos that morning, escaped the harbour while Orsos' body was found later that day on a nearby beach. The prosecution's case relied on circumstantial evidence, including CCTV footage showing Herda's car moving from her home toward Orsos' residence around 5.30 am, a brake‑mark of 13 ft 6 in at the scene, and phone records indicating she called Orsos three times that morning, the last at 5.37 am. Herda had previously claimed that Orsos had been stalking her and that she could not stand his anger, but she also stated she knew he could not swim.
A Dublin man has been convicted of harassing a garda sergeant through approximately 50 online posts and harassing phone calls over a two-year period. Sean Carraher, aged 55, was found guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of harassing Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. The posts, made on legal profession websites, included allegations that the sergeant had withheld evidence and claims regarding his personal conduct. Carraher had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by jury following deliberation. He claimed the posts constituted protected freedom of expression and that he was acting as a whistleblower exposing alleged garda corruption. The court heard no findings of wrongdoing have been established against Sergeant Gilmartin. Following conviction, Carraher was remanded in custody despite the prosecution not objecting to bail. He is due for sentencing on 27 July, when a victim impact report from Sergeant Gilmartin will be presented to the court.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury deliberating the case of Sean Carraher, 55, was sent home overnight after declaring a deadlock. Carraher, of Stradbrook Hill, Blackrock, has pleaded not guilty to harassing Garda Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. He is accused of posting around 50 messages on Rate‑Your‑Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, alleging that the sergeant withheld evidence in a prior case, and of making harassing phone calls. At his arrest, Carraher claimed to be a whistle‑blower exposing Garda corruption via the internet.
Sean Carraher, 55, stands trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for harassing Sgt Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. The State alleges Carraher posted about 50 messages on Rate‑Your‑Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, accusing the sergeant of withholding evidence in a prior case and of other misconduct, and made harassing phone calls. Carraher claims he was a whistle‑blower exposing garda corruption and that the internet was his only means to retaliate against alleged conspiracies. He admitted making four phone calls, arguing they were a response to the sergeant's repeated hang‑ups. Carraher also admitted posting unverified claims about the sergeant's personal life, stating he did so because he heard them. The prosecution maintains that regardless of any alleged corruption, the repetitive nature of the calls and posts constitutes harassment. The jury will deliberate after a judge's address. Sean Carraher pleaded not guilty.
Anne Fennell, 57, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sending obscene phone messages to Aras an Uachtarain, the Department of Finance, the European Commission Representation, An Post Dublin Mail Centre and the constituency offices of TDs Alan Kelly, Aodhan O Riordain and Noel Coonan between 2 February and 1 December 2014, and to harassing Fr Desmond Byrne at his home in Clondalkin between September and October 2006. She also admitted to making persistent annoying phone calls and sending obscene or menacing messages to the president's office and to the European Commission. Fennell had no prior convictions. Judge Melanie Greally heard evidence of a campaign of harassment, including threats to bomb the president and repeated nuisance calls to the priest, and noted that Fennell had made significant improvements to her living conditions since January. The case was adjourned to next November with an updated probation and psychological report required.
Sean Carraher, aged 55, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for harassing Sergeant Conor Gilmartin by posting about 50 messages on Rate-Your-Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, alleging that Gilmartin had withheld evidence in a prior case. He is also accused of making between ten and twenty calls to the sergeant. Carraher claims he was being harassed by Gardaí who subjected him to unwarranted arrests and that he was a whistle‑blower exposing Garda corruption. On the third day of his trial, Garda Rosemary Clancy told defence counsel that she had arrested Carraher at least five times over allegations that he had harassed his wife and breached court orders, and that he had been convicted six times in relation to these allegations, five of which were later overturned on appeal. Clancy also confirmed that she called Carraher on 24 December 2008 to inform him of his next court appearance, a call Carraher denies was harassment. Sean Carraher pleaded not guilty.
A man charged with harassing a garda sergeant considers himself a whistleblower exposing police corruption, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Sean Carraher, aged 55, of Stradbrook Hill, Blackrock, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to harassing Garda Sergeant Conor Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. The prosecution alleges Mr Carraher posted approximately 50 messages on websites including Rate-Your-Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, accusing Sergeant Gilmartin of corruption and evidence tampering. He is also accused of making between ten and twenty calls to the sergeant. The defendant claims the contact followed a complaint he made to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission regarding alleged assaults on his sons. No findings of wrongdoing have been established against Sergeant Gilmartin. Mr Carraher stated he was exercising freedom of expression rights and invoked comparison with the McBrearty family case in Donegal. The trial continues before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury.
Sean Carraher, 55, of Stradbrook Hill, Blackrock, Dublin, is on trial in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for harassing Garda Sergeant Conor Gilmartin. Carraher is accused of repeatedly calling the sergeant between March 2009 and May 2011 and posting online messages that called him "lying" and "corrupt" over nearly two years. He pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by barrister James Dwyer, presented evidence that Carraher admitted to posting the messages and claimed he was exposing what he believed to be Garda corruption. Dwyer argued that while free expression allows opinions, the content and intent of Carraher's posts crossed into harassment, requiring proof of intent or reckless conduct to cause alarm or distress. Sergeant Gilmartin testified that he first encountered Carraher in 2007, that Carraher had made a complaint to the Garda Ombudsman, and that he received harassing calls and defamatory posts from Carraher.
A harassment charge against a garda from Bundoran, County Donegal has been withdrawn at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Donal Maguire, aged 40, had previously been found not guilty by reason of insanity on two counts of harassment following a trial last month. The jury returned that verdict after hearing evidence that he had sent a Valentine's card, emails and a social media friend request to a married female sergeant despite being instructed by superiors to cease contact. Mr Maguire, who suffers from early onset dementia, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital following the trial. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi on the additional harassment charge, relating to conduct between February and March 2014, resulting in its withdrawal.
A garda from Bundoran, County Donegal, has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital following a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The officer was found not guilty on two counts of harassment against a married female sergeant after a jury determined he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the offences, which occurred between February 2012 and February 2013. Medical evidence established that the garda had frontotemporal dementia, diagnosed as early onset, which impaired his judgment and impulse control. The court heard the harassment caused significant distress to the complainant and affected her work and family life. Judge Elma Sheahan ordered the garda's detention at the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and treatment, following a clinical assessment indicating he required ongoing treatment at a designated centre.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a woman accused a Dublin garda of failing to investigate her complaints about alleged rape, assault and threats by her husband. She said the husband raped her in May 2014, threatened to cut her face with a knife, and on 8–9 June 2014 threatened her, harassed her and crashed into her car, prompting a complaint to gardaí. She expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of her complaint, noting that a different station took over the investigation in August 2014 after the husband assaulted her with a hammer. She claimed the garda had not followed up or taken the complaint seriously. The husband pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm, but had pleaded guilty to assault with a hammer. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Aisling McCann, aged 34, pleaded guilty to nine harassment charges stemming from two months of anonymous phone calls, emails, and orchestrated deliveries directed at a former family friend. The harassment began in September 2015 after a minor school‑banter incident between the women's daughters. McCann, who was experiencing personal stress, including financial hardship and her daughter's entry into secondary school, used a blocked number and her own smartphone to contact the victim. Garda Sergeant Gerry Holland described the behaviour as irrational and completely remorseful once confronted. Judge Melanie Greally, noting McCann's lack of prior convictions and early guilty plea, imposed a 12‑month prison sentence but suspended it, citing her vulnerable life stage and the absence of further offences. The victim declined to give a victim impact statement, expressing relief that the harassment had ceased. The former friendship between the families was reported as irretrievably broken.
A garda from Bundoran, County Donegal, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity of harassing a married female sergeant at a Dublin garda station between February 2012 and February 2013. The 40-year-old man had sent a Valentine's card, numerous emails via the garda Pulse system, and a Facebook friend request to the woman despite repeated warnings from superiors and an oral undertaking to cease contact. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the behaviour caused the complainant significant stress and affected her work and family life. Two forensic psychiatrists gave evidence that the accused was suffering from frontotemporal dementia, an early-onset condition causing erotomania and an inability to understand the impact of his actions or control his behaviour. The jury returned a not guilty verdict after deliberating for one hour. Judge Elma Sheahan committed the man to the Central Mental Hospital pending a report for 27 June to determine appropriate steps.
Garda Donal Maguire, 40, of Bundoran, Co. Donegal, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on two counts of harassing a female sergeant between February 2012 and February 2013. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecution counsel Gerardine Small BL stated that while the harassment is not disputed, the jury must determine if Maguire suffered from a mental disorder at the time. Two forensic psychiatrists, Dr. Brenda Wright for the State and Dr. Conor O'Neill for the defence, testified that Maguire was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, an early-onset condition, from approximately 2010. They concluded that his disorder, which included symptoms such as erotomania and a lack of empathy, meant he did not appreciate his actions were wrong and lacked the ability to form intent under the Criminal Law (Insanity Act 2006). Both experts noted that his persistent behaviour, despite warnings from superiors, was consistent with his diagnosis. Defence counsel Ronan Kennedy BL described the case as tragic, noting Maguire's promising career was affected by his illness. Maguire is currently being treated in the Central Mental Hospital with no immediate plans for discharge. Both legal teams urged the jury to return a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury, comprising three women and nine men, was addressed by Judge Elma Sheahan and is expected to retire to consider their verdict.