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. 19597Threatening communication (Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020) · Co. Kildare · 31 Mar 2022

Man sentenced to six months over threats to Kildare TD James Lawless

On March 31, 2022, Paul Corr, 40, sent a threatening email to James Lawless, a Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, saying he would kill him and rape 16 of his female relatives. He was arrested at his residence on April 19 and was prosecuted under the Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act (2020), admitting the offence. At a sentencing hearing at Naas District Court reported on October 5, 2023, the judge imposed a six-month term, directed psychiatric treatment in custody if necessary, and fixed terms for an appeal to be lodged.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced5 Oct
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The defendant threatened to kill James Lawless, a Kildare TD, and to rape 16 of his female relatives.
Cause
The email stated that the threat would be carried out if a Central Statistics Office person knocked on the defendant's door.
Where
  • The threatening communication was sent to James Lawless, a Fianna Fáil Dáil deputy for Kildare North.
  • The case was heard at Naas District Court.
When
The threatening communication was sent on March 31, 2022.
Investigation
The defendant was arrested on April 19 at his residence.
Charges
The defendant was prosecuted under the Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act (2020) for sending a threatening communication to James Lawless.
In court
  • The defendant admitted the offence.
  • Terms were fixed for an appeal to be lodged.
Sentence
  • The judge imposed a six-month term.
  • The defendant was directed to receive psychiatric treatment in custody, if necessary.
Other details
  • The garda did not believe that the threat was genuine.
  • The defendant, Paul Corr, is 40 years old and his address was given as Pitchfordstown Lodge, Kilcock.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man threatened to kill a Kildare TD and rape 16 of his female relatives. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe email stated that if a Central Statistics Office person knocked on his door he would carry out the threat. (kildarenow.com)
  • whereThe case was heard at Naas District Court. (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe threatening communication was sent on March 31, 2022. (kildarenow.com)
  • investigationThe defendant was arrested on April 19 at his residence. (kildarenow.com)
  • chargeThe defendant was prosecuted under the Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act (2020) for sending a threatening communication to James Lawless. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtTerms were fixed for an appeal to be lodged. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a six-month term. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe defendant was directed to receive psychiatric treatment in custody, if necessary. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherThe garda did not believe that the threat was genuine. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherThe defendant admitted the offence. (kildarenow.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 5 Oct2023
    Sentencedkildarenow.com, first report
    KILDARE COURT: Custody term for man who threatened to kill a Kildare TD and rape his relatives

    First report of this case. Covers the sentencing hearing at Naas District Court, the arrest, the email's content, and the defendant's mental health and probation submissions.

    convicted, Paul Corr, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Paul Corrvictim, James Lawless, male, irish (judged from name)James Lawless