Man (20s) in Donegal court over threatening to share intimate images

A man in his 20s has appeared at court in Donegal on charges of distributing, publishing or threatening to distribute or publish intimate images of another person.

The man was before Ballyshannon District Court, where Judge Sandra Murphy refused jurisdiction in the case.

The accused man cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the alleged injured party in the matter, who the court heard is a minor.

Garda Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed summary disposal.

He is charged in connection with alleged offences on two dates in 2021.

He is charged on two occasions that that he did distribute, publish or threaten to distribute or publish intimate image (s) without consent with intent to cause harm or being reckless as to whether harm is caused, acts intentionally or recklessly or acts that a reasonable person would realise that acts would seriously interfere with the other person's peace and privacy or cause alarm or distress to the other person.

The charge is contrary to Section 2 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act, 2020.

A solicitor for the accused said his client is “of limited capacity” and has had a history of mental health treatment.

The solicitor said that the offence “speaks for itself”.

Judge Murphy said the accused man is innocent until proven guilty. On viewing and reading information provided, Judge Murphy said she was refusing jurisdiction.

The matter was adjourned to the October 4 sitting of Ballyshannon District Court.