Wednesday 28 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. 4991Harassment (harmful communications) · Co. Galway · 9 Jan 2024

Daragh O’Flaherty denies online threat charges over videos targeting Hildegarde Naughton and Seán Kyne

Daragh O’Flaherty, 47, denies charges under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and related offences Act 2020 over videos allegedly posted in January 2024 that threatened Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael Senator Seán Kyne. The case was adjourned at Galway District Court for mention on November 4th.

  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
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA video posted on January 10th said six stitches for the speaker meant six stitches for named Galway politicians, including Naughton. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatNaughton said she was frightened and had to reassess her movements and those of her staff. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatNaughton decided not to attend an event in Galway cathedral due to fears for her safety. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenMs Naughton gave evidence on Friday at Galway District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationDet John Kerrigan of Galway Garda station was assigned to investigate after Catherine Connolly TD notified gardaí of messages posted online. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationKerrigan found a Telegram channel in which a man alleged to be O’Flaherty posted videos. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeDaragh O’Flaherty denies offences under section 4 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and related offences Act 2020. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeIt is alleged that on January 9th and 10th, 2024, O’Flaherty published a threatening or grossly offensive communication about Naughton with intent to cause harm. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeTwo further charges allege the same conduct about Seán Kyne. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtO’Flaherty, representing himself, told the court he will not be calling witnesses. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Cronin warned O’Flaherty she would consider holding him in contempt if he kept interrupting the court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was adjourned for mention to November 4th. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherO’Flaherty has claimed he received the stitches because he was assaulted by gardaí in Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherTwo videos from January 9th and 10th were played in court. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherSeán Kyne said he took the reference to stitches as a direct threat. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 Oct2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Hildegarde Naughton was ‘frightened’ for personal safety after ‘six stitches’ online threat, court hears

    Reports evidence given by Hildegarde Naughton and Seán Kyne at Galway District Court, including the stitches video, the defence cross-examination, and the adjournment to November 4th. The accused denies the charges and will not call witnesses.

    accused, Daragh O'Flaherty, 47, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daragh O'Flahertyvictim, Hildegarde Naughton, female, irish (judged from name)Hildegarde Naughtonvictim, Seán Kyne, male, irish (judged from name)Seán Kyne