A 42-year-old Shannon man has stated “I’m sorry about how this turned out, it wasn’t my intention” after being charged under new harassment legislation.
At Ennis District Court, Martin Hannon of Traderee Court, Shannon, Co Clare has appeared after been charged with two new charges under Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and new laws enacted only last year which deal with harassment.
Mr Hannon is to face trial at Ennis Circuit Court on the new charges and two other charges where he is already charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to two men via social media.
Sgt John Burke told the court that the social media element to the case is adding complexity to the preparation of the Book of Evidence in the case.
In evidence of arrest, charge and caution before Ennis District Court, Garda Clare Burke of Shannon Garda Station told the court that after caution Mr Hannon replied “I’m sorry about how this turned out. It wasn’t my intention.”
In the new ‘harassment’ charges, Mr Hannon is charged with on dates between November 2nd and November 16th last that he did carry out acts without lawful authority that did cause Michael Hilliard and Devipyemaan Devipyemaan* to fear that violence would be used against them.
The charge states that Mr Hannon’s acts caused serious alarm or distress to the two that had a substantial impact on their day to day activities.
The new charges are contrary to Section 10 (2) of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and substituted by Section 23(2) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.
Solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick for the accused said that it has taken a long period for the DPP to provide directions in the case.
In the case, Martin Hannon is already charged with a threat to kill or cause serious harm to the two males on dates between November 6th and November 16th last.
In the case, Mr Hannon is charged without lawful excuse, making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Devipyemaan Devipyemaan* and Michael Hillard.
The two charges are contrary to Section 5 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
Those convicted of such offences in the district court face a prison term up to 12 months while more serious penalties apply in the circuit court where those convicted can face prison terms up to 10 years.
As part of his bail conditions, Mr Hannon is to stay off all social media platforms and not make broadcasts from any social media platform.
The bail conditions also require Mr Hannon to lodge €500 cash, sign on once a week at his local Garda station and have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged injured parties.
Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Hannon on continuing bail to appear in court on May 15th.
