Limerick harassers of dentist are back in the dock
DPP appeals their sentences on grounds of undue leniency
A LIMERICK couple who walked free from court after a “campaign of harassment” against a female dentist have had their sentences appealed by the DPP on the grounds of undue leniency, the Leader has learned.
Judge Dermot Sheehan said the duo had a “bizarre and irrational fixation” with the victim, before imposing fully suspended four year prison terms on the two accused on July 26 last. They spent three weeks in jail prior to the sentencing hearing.
It is understood that the duo have separately appealed against the convictions also.
The harassment included waiting, watching and staring at the dentist outside her place of work, following her while driving, throwing pancake mix over her car outside her home, falsely accusing her of sexual impropriety and sending her a vulgar Valentine’s Day card.
Emma Maun, aged 28, and her partner - Michael De Sousa, aged 36 - both of Sheahan's flats, Main Street, Askeaton - were found guilty of harassment by a jury after a month-long trial on Thursday, July 4.
Mr De Sousa had pleaded guilty to criminal damage and two counts of making a false report or statement to gardai.
The case was prosecuted by barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, with the assistance of Garda Patrick O’Sullivan.
The dentist described, in her victim impact statement, how stressful the trial was and to see the two offenders “smirking and smiling each day like they were enjoying the experience was sickening”.
She said the campaign of stalking and harassment caused stress and worry which were “ever-present in my life”.
READ MORE: Limerick couple who harassed dentist and 'smirked and smiled' during trial walk free from court
Limerick Circuit Court heard the harassment started because the dentist told Ms Maun that her dental needs were too complex and referred her to the maxillofacial unit in University Hospital Limerick.
The court also heard that Mr De Sousa and Ms Maun did not accept the verdict of the jury.
A Court Service spokesperson confirmed to the Leader that the Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed both sentences against Ms Maun and Mr De Sousa on the grounds of undue leniency.
No date has been set for the case in the Court of Appeal at this time. During the sentencing hearing, Ms Nix and Mr Carroll cited case law which they said put the offences at the middle to the lower end of the charge of harassment.
Ms Nix said it was “not the most sophisticated operation of all time”. She said Ms Maun has been engaging with the services provided by Bedford Row.
Mr Carroll quoted from an updated report from a clinical psychologist which referred to Mr De Sousa as very susceptible to peer pressure due to his low self esteem and referred to his client’s autism spectrum disorder.