
Ex-garda avoids jail for second time over harassment of woman
A retired detective garda who was facing jail time after he contacted a woman despite his conviction for harassing her has had his eight-month custodial sentence suspended on appeal.The District Court Appeals Court heard that Eamon Moran (51) has suffered ill health ever since he was attacked on a 2012 deportation flight and was recently in intensive care.Moran, with an address in Perrystown, Dublin 12, harassed a woman by sending her unwanted texts and calls on dates between 2021 and 2023.
He originally pleaded guilty before the District Court and was convicted of harassment under section 10.1 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, amended by the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.He was sentenced to eight months in custody, which was fully suspended for two years on the condition that Moran would make no contact with the injured party and her family, would continue his medical rehabilitation and would stay one kilometre away from the injured party's home.His jail sentence was reactivated by Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court in October 2024 after the court heard Moran had contacted the woman by email and phone after his conviction. The victim reported the breaches to gardai, saying that his actions caused her some anxiety and stress.The court heard that Moran had sent an email and then called the victim on two different days in September 2024, which went unanswered. It was found that Moran had breached the conditions of his suspended sentence and he did not contest this in the District Court.Counsel for the appellant, Niamh Ní Aonghusa BL, today told the District Court Appeals Court that Moran 'misinterpreted this non-relationship' and is "very much apologetic" to the victim. She said he has no intention whatsoever to contact the victim again.Ms Ní Aonghusa said that Moran's health has been in decline since an incident in 2012 in which he was on a flight that was deporting people in his duty as a garda when he was attacked by a man with a razor blade.She presented several letters from medical professionals which said that Moran suffered a stroke, had a hole in his heart and had a liver condition.She said that he was recently in intensive care in St James's Hospital and that the muscles in his legs have depreciated. Judge Sinéad McMullan said that this is 'obviously a very serious matter' and that no one should have to deal with harassment.She said there was a clear court order that Moran 'clearly breached', but she also took into account that he was recently very unhealthy.Judge McMullan decided to fully suspend the sentence of eight months for a period of two years on the condition that Moran in no way attempt to contact the injured party ever again, stay one kilometre away from her house, continue to receive medical attention and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
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Irish Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ex-garda avoids jail for second time over harassment of woman
A retired detective garda who was facing jail time after he contacted a woman despite his conviction for harassing her has had his eight-month custodial sentence suspended on District Court Appeals Court heard that Eamon Moran (51) has suffered ill health ever since he was attacked on a 2012 deportation flight and was recently in intensive with an address in Perrystown, Dublin 12, harassed a woman by sending her unwanted texts and calls on dates between 2021 and 2023. He originally pleaded guilty before the District Court and was convicted of harassment under section 10.1 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, amended by the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act was sentenced to eight months in custody, which was fully suspended for two years on the condition that Moran would make no contact with the injured party and her family, would continue his medical rehabilitation and would stay one kilometre away from the injured party's jail sentence was reactivated by Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court in October 2024 after the court heard Moran had contacted the woman by email and phone after his conviction. The victim reported the breaches to gardai, saying that his actions caused her some anxiety and court heard that Moran had sent an email and then called the victim on two different days in September 2024, which went unanswered. It was found that Moran had breached the conditions of his suspended sentence and he did not contest this in the District for the appellant, Niamh Ní Aonghusa BL, today told the District Court Appeals Court that Moran 'misinterpreted this non-relationship' and is "very much apologetic" to the victim. She said he has no intention whatsoever to contact the victim Ní Aonghusa said that Moran's health has been in decline since an incident in 2012 in which he was on a flight that was deporting people in his duty as a garda when he was attacked by a man with a razor presented several letters from medical professionals which said that Moran suffered a stroke, had a hole in his heart and had a liver said that he was recently in intensive care in St James's Hospital and that the muscles in his legs have depreciated. Judge Sinéad McMullan said that this is 'obviously a very serious matter' and that no one should have to deal with said there was a clear court order that Moran 'clearly breached', but she also took into account that he was recently very McMullan decided to fully suspend the sentence of eight months for a period of two years on the condition that Moran in no way attempt to contact the injured party ever again, stay one kilometre away from her house, continue to receive medical attention and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.


Irish Times
9 hours ago
- Irish Times
Man punched retired judge after saying ‘you put me in jail for nothing', court hears
A Co Clare man told a retired District Court judge 'you put me in jail for nothing' before punching him outside a cafe, a court has heard. At Ennis District Court, Jamie O'Connor (44), of Laurel Lodge, Clare Road, Ennis, has appeared in connection with the alleged assault of retired District Court judge Joseph Mangan last Saturday afternoon. Mr Mangan, who is in his early 80s, served on the bench for 27 years and was the assigned District Court judge for Clare from 2001 to October 2011, when he retired aged 67. Mr O'Connor is charged with assault causing harm to Mr Mangan at Barrack Court, Ennis, on June 14th, contrary to section three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. READ MORE Judge Alec Gabbett said this is 'an extremely serious alleged offence' where a man in his 80s was allegedly assaulted for 'carrying out a public duty when he was a judge'. Judge Gabbett said there is a possibility of other charges to follow. In a contested application for Mr O'Connor's bail, Sgt John Burke told the court it will be alleged Mr Mangan was having a coffee on the afternoon of June 14th when he was approached by Mr O'Connor, who allegedly said: 'You put me in jail for nothing.' Sgt Burke said it is alleged Mr O'Connor punched Mr Mangan after the brief interaction. He said the accused fled the scene. He said Mr Mangan was treated at the local injuries unit for possible concussion and dizziness. Sgt Burke said Mr O'Connor was later arrested, making no admissions and blaming alcohol 'for his memory loss'. Sgt Burke said gardaí were opposing bail. Judge Gabbett refused bail due to the seriousness of the charge. Judge Gabbett granted legal aid for solicitor Stiofan Fitzpatrick to represent Mr O'Connor. Mr Fitzpatrick asked for bail to be granted as he said it will take months for directions to be made in the case. Judge Gabbett remanded Mr O'Connor in custody to appear before court next Wednesday.

The Journal
11 hours ago
- The Journal
Man spared trial after apologising to Paul Murphy for threatening to 'slit' his wife's throat
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