A man, known as Michael Fitzgerald, aged 51, resident of Hawley Park, Tralee, Co Kerry, has been accused of harassing a woman over a period of seven months in Dublin. As a result, he was awarded bail on conditions including abstaining from contacting the victim or referencing her through social media platforms. The case was presented before Judge Cephas Power at the Dublin District Court on Wednesday.
Mr. Fitzgerald was further instructed not to make calls to a specific Garda unit unless it was a genuine emergency. The Gardaí had charged him for harassing a woman from 1st November 2022 until 30th June 2023 in a Glasnevin flat; these actions were corroborated by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The DPP has given the go-ahead to proceed with the case in the District Court if Mr. Fitzgerald is willing to plead guilty. If not, the case will be taken to the Circuit Court, which holds more comprehensive sentencing powers.
Det Gda Aoife Farrelly, while presenting the case, demanded that the accused adhere to specific regulations including avoiding contact with the victim on social media, informing the Gardaí of any address changes for prior approval and a three-time weekly signing at a Garda station. Fitzgerald is further forbidden from interacting with the crime unit at Mountjoy station except for genuine emergencies. However, he is permitted to sign at the public office of said station.
Mr. Fitzgerald was bailed on a €400 bond by Judge Power and will reappear at the court in September for trial venue determination and plea indications.
Judge Power accepted the conditions proposed by Det Gda Farrelly and also agreed to defence solicitor Michael French’s request to instruct the Gardaí to provide disclosure of evidence. The charges against Mr. Fitzgerald come under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act as modified by the Harassment, Harmful Communications, and Related Offences Act.
Mr. Fitzgerald, who did not address the court, was granted legal aid.