Undertaker charged with harassing woman living in Offaly

A KILKENNY man, John Coady, Ryan's Pub, Clogh pleaded guilty during last week's sitting of Tullamore District Court to harassing a woman, living in the Clara area, between May 11, 2022 and December 16, 2022 at Clonshanny Hill, Clara.

In a written statement the injured party said the defendant was clearly infatuated with her and wouldn't leave her alone, following her to events where he wasn't invited or showing up at events where he wasn't expected and which were two hour drives from where he lived.

She said his following of her over the several months felt relentless and unpleasant. “Because of his relentless actions of following me,” she wrote, “I suffered from sleepless nights, nightmares and was often looking over my shoulder. It had a bad mental effect on me.”

The defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said he met Mr Coady in the Garda Station and it was clear that he felt devastated to be there, that he was a fish out of water.

“He is 32 years of age, is single and has an agricultural science degree. He is living on the family farm with his parents. He has found it difficult to develop relationships with women. On this occasion he became infatuated with the injured party and he is ashamed of his actions. He meant no harm. He is now in a serious relationship with a woman so there is no danger of him reoffending in this regard; he has moved on with his life. He is extremely sorry for what happened and has had an impeccable record up to this point. He is in employment, as an undertaker.”

The defendant told the Judge that he is “an introvert. I am not a big mixer. I am very sorry about my behaviour. I thought she was beautiful. I am not a dangerous person. I just became infatuated with her."

“Has he anything to offer this poor woman in terms of monetary compensation?” asked the Judge.

“He terrorised this poor woman and I am considering a custodial sentence. I am also thinking of compensation of €5,000 for the injured party, which she can give to a charity if she wishes. He will also have to stay away from the injured party's living area and her place of work.”

The Judge adjourned the case to October 25 for payment of compensation.