An east Clare man charged in connection with sending alleged ‘harassment messages’ via Facebook to Clare Fianna Fail TD and Meelick native, Cathal Crowe is set to contest the “unusual charge”.
At Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis today, solicitor for Sean Kilkenny (48) of Tuamgraney, Scarriff, Daragh Hassett told Judge Alec Gabbett said the indications so far are that Mr Kilkenny will contest the charge.
Mr Hassett described the charge against his client as an “unusual charge”.
In the case, Mr Kilkenny is charged with on dates unknown between May 4th and June 26th 2023 did for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person send by telephone a message that he knew to be false to another person without reasonable cause to Cathal Crowe.
The charge is contrary to Section 13 (1) (b) and section 13 (2) of the Post Office Amendment Act 1951 as amended by section 4 of the Communication Regulations (Amendment) Act.
Mr Hassett previously told the court that the case concerns “allegation of harassment on Facebook”.
With Mr Kilkenny set to contest the charge, Deputy Crowe will be required to give evidence from the witness box in court as the alleged injured party in the case and face cross examination from Mr Hassett on behalf of Mr Kilkenny.
Judge Alec Gabbett said that he would adjourn the case to February 6th to Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis for disclosure to be made to Mr Hassett “and we can arrange a hearing date on that date”.
Mr Kilkenny first appeared in court in connection to the charge in July and his bail conditions include that he has no contact with the alleged injured party, Cathal Crowe TD.
The conditions also require Mr Kilkenny to reside at Tuamgraney, Scarriff and be of good behaviour.
Mr Kilkenny is also charged with obstructing Garda Joe Kearney acting under the authority of a warrant issued under Section 10 of the Criminal Justice Act on July 3rd at Tuamgraney, Scarriff.
