Man accused of harassing Clare TD on Facebook proposes ‘cease and desist’ undertaking

A man who is accused of sending 'harassment messages', via Facebook, to a Clare TD has indicated he is willing to cease all contact with the politician.

Gardai have indicated they are to formally relay the proposed ‘cease and desist’ undertaking to the alleged injured party, Cathal Crowe.

At Killaloe District Court, sitting in Ennis, solicitor Daragh Hassett said the defendant - Sean Kilkenny, aged 48, of Tuamgraney, Scarriff, Co Clare - had put forward what he described as 'a cease and desist’ undertaking.

Mr Hassett told Judge Alec Gabbett that he had informed the State of his client's offer shortly before the court proceedings. 

"I have offered a certain course of action where my client would cease contact”, he stated.

Asked by Judge Gabbett the nature of the proposal, Mr Hassett replied: "An undertaking to cease and desist.”

The solicitor told the court he will put the proposal in writing and will send it to Sergeant John Burke who told Judge Gabbett that gardai "would require time to canvas the alleged injured party’s views”.

Mr Hassett said that his client "reserves his right to contest the case in full. The State has to consider that offer otherwise on instructions there will be a hearing potentially”. 

In the case, Mr Kilkenny is charged in connection with the alleged sending of messages on dates between May 4, 2023 and June 26, 2023 to Deputy Crowe.

The harassment messages charge, preferred against Mr Kilkenny, is under Section 13 of the Post Office Amendment Act 1951, as amended.

Mr Hassett previously told the court that the case concerns “allegation of harassment on Facebook”.

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Mr Kilkenny first appeared in court in connection to the charge last July and his bail conditions include that he has no contact with the Fianna Fail TD.

The conditions also require Mr Kilkenny to reside at Tuamgraney, Scarriff and to be of good behaviour.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis next month.