Former Irish People Party candidate Ross Lahive charged with harassing garda in Cork
Ross Lahive, a 46-year-old man and former European election candidate for the People Party, appeared before Cork District Court on 25 September 2025 charged with harassing a garda between 9 October 2022 and 6 February 2025. The charge arose from an incident at a public event in Cork in October 2022 where, according to the prosecution, Lahive accosted, verbally abused, and followed the garda down Anglesea Street while the officer was dealing with a matter. The garda, who was wearing a civilian jacket over his uniform, was also recorded and live-streamed on social media by a co-accused, and video footage was posted on Facebook with derogatory comments. Judge Mary Dorgan accepted jurisdiction in the event of a guilty plea, and if the case is contested it will be sent to Cork Circuit Court. Lahive was remanded on bail on his own bond of €1,000 to appear on 20 November 2025, with a condition to refrain from making social media comments about the case.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Charged25 Sep
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A garda was accosted, verbally abused, and followed down Anglesea Street by Ross Lahive at a public event in Cork.
- Where
- The incident occurred at a public event in Cork; the court appearance was at Cork District Court.
- When
- The incident took place on 9 October 2022; Lahive appeared in court on 25 September 2025.
- Cause
- The charge arose from the garda dealing with a matter at the public event.
- Investigation
- Det Sgt Christopher Cahill described the alleged actions as a campaign of harassment and said the garda felt intimidated and distressed.
- Charges
- Lahive was charged with harassing a garda between 9 October 2022 and 6 February 2025.
- In court
- Judge Mary Dorgan accepted jurisdiction in the event of a guilty plea; if contested, the case will be sent to Cork Circuit Court.
- Lahive was remanded on bail on his own bond of €1,000 to appear on 20 November 2025, with a condition to refrain from making social media comments about the case.
- Other details
- Ross Lahive is a 46-year-old man and former European election candidate for the People Party, of Church Street, Shandon, Cork.
- The garda was wearing a civilian jacket over his Garda uniform and was recorded and live-streamed on social media by a co-accused.
- Video footage was posted on Facebook with a caption containing derogatory comments about the garda, and the garda was afraid to get on his bus home.
- Free legal aid was granted and the defence was granted discovery of documents.
19 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe garda was accosted, verbally abused and followed down Anglesea Street by Mr Lahive. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe charge arose from an incident at a public event in October 2022 where the garda was dealing with a matter. (irishtimes.com)
- whenOn 22 February 2023, the garda was walking outside Cork District Court after giving evidence in a case. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe video was reposted in August and December 2023 and in February 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe was charged with harassing a garda between 9 October 2022 and 6 February 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- courtLahive appeared before Cork District Court on Thursday morning. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Mary Dorgan accepted jurisdiction in the event of a guilty plea. (irishtimes.com)
- courtIf contested, the case will be sent to Cork Circuit Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtLahive was remanded on bail on his own bond of €1,000 to appear on 20 November 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- courtBail conditions include refraining from making comments on social media about the case. (irishtimes.com)
- courtFree legal aid was granted and the defence was granted discovery of documents. (irishtimes.com)
- otherRoss Lahive is a former European election candidate for the Irish People Party. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe garda arrested Mr Lahive at the event. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFootage of the garda was recorded at the event and posted on social media. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe garda was wearing a civilian jacket over his Garda uniform. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe garda was recorded and live-streamed on social media by the co-accused. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe garda was afraid to get on his bus home, concerned about being followed. (irishtimes.com)
- otherVideo footage was posted on Facebook with a caption containing derogatory comments about the garda. (irishtimes.com)
- otherLahive was on a community employment scheme and in receipt of €1,000 a month. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 25 Sep2025Former election candidate for Irish People Party accused of harassing garda
First court appearance; charge put to accused, bail granted, case adjourned to 20 November 2025.
accused, Ross Lahive, 46, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ross Lahivevictim, male