Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 19538Menacing calls · Co. Galway

Bench warrant issued for man accused of menacing calls to Galway TD

In 2022, Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon received three calls from a man who identified himself as James Killen, a 57-year-old man with an address at Árd Esker, Athenry, County Galway. Mr Cannon complained to gardaí after the final call. James Killen is charged with making the menacing calls in February, May and June 2022, and at an earlier hearing he indicated he would contest the charges. On 11 October 2023 he failed to appear in court, his defence solicitor agreed to a bench warrant for his arrest, and the case was adjourned to Loughrea District Court.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court11 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A bench warrant was issued on 11 October 2023 for a 57-year-old man who failed to appear in court on charges of making menacing calls to Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon.
Where
The accused gave an address at Árd Esker, Athenry, County Galway.
When
Mr Cannon received three calls from a man who identified himself as James Killen in 2022.
Other details
  • The accused is a native of Derry and has lived in Athenry since 2005.
  • Mr Cannon said the final call left him fearing for his personal safety and that of his wife.
  • Mr Cannon described the calls to gardaí as abusive and threatening.
Investigation
Mr Cannon complained to gardaí after the final call.
Charges
The accused is charged with making the menacing calls in February, May and June 2022.
In court
  • At a previous hearing, the accused indicated he would contest the charges.
  • Mr Cannon was present for the hearing where he would have given sworn evidence if the case had proceeded.
  • The defence solicitor said he had not heard from his client and agreed to a bench warrant being issued.
  • The case was adjourned to Loughrea District Court.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA bench warrant was issued for the arrest of a 57-year-old man who failed to appear in court on charges of making menacing calls to a TD. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe accused gave an address at Árd Esker, Athenry, County Galway. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe accused is a native of Derry and has lived in Athenry since 2005. (rte.ie)
  • whenMr Cannon received calls on three occasions the previous year. (rte.ie)
  • investigationThe TD complained to gardaí after the final call. (rte.ie)
  • chargeThe accused is charged with making the menacing calls in February, May and June of the previous year. (rte.ie)
  • courtAt a previous hearing, the accused indicated he would contest the charges. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe TD was present in court for the hearing where he would have given sworn evidence. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe defence solicitor said he had not heard from his client and agreed to a bench warrant being issued. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to a sitting of Loughrea District Court. (rte.ie)
  • otherThe TD said the final call left him fearing for his personal safety and that of his wife. (rte.ie)
  • otherThe TD described the calls to gardaí as abusive and threatening. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 Oct2023
    In courtrte.ie, first report
    Bench warrant for accused in menacing calls to TD case

    Reports a bench warrant for the accused after he failed to appear, the solicitor's agreement to the warrant, and the adjournment to Loughrea District Court. Gives the calls as occurring in February, May and June of the previous year, with no exact dates.

    accused, James Killen, 57, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Killenvictim, Ciarán Cannon, male, irish (judged from name)Ciarán Cannon