15-05-2025
Man in court for offensive communication about then AGSI head
A 38-year-old man has appeared before Mullingar District Court charged with distributing or publishing a grossly offensive communication about the then general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, Antoinette Cunningham.
Andrew McGovern, from School Lane in Rathowen, Co Westmeath, was charged with distributing or publishing a threatening or grossly offensive communication about Ms Cunningham with the intent to cause her harm between the 16 and 30 March 2023, contrary to Section 4 (1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.
He appeared in court before Judge Bernadette Owens, who heard that a probation report directed on the 14 November last was not yet available in relation to Mr McGovern.
The judge heard the injured party had attended court on every occasion and that she was keen that the facts of the case be heard and that her Victim Impact Statement be read to the court.
Judge Owens said she appreciated this and she was not trying to be awkward, but she would prefer everything to be heard together.
The case has been put back until 17 July when the full details will be heard.
