Patrick Grealish jailed for online threats to kill Simon Harris and family after withdrawing appeal
Patrick Grealish, a 50-year-old Irish man from Lettermullen, Co Galway, pleaded guilty to one charge of making an online threat to kill or cause serious harm to Irish man Simon Harris and his family after sending a threatening message on Instagram on 4 August 2024. In February 2026, Judge Fiona Lydon sentenced him to eight months in prison, with the final four months suspended on conditions including keeping the peace and refraining from alcohol. On 4 June 2026, Grealish withdrew his appeal at the District Court appeals sitting of Galway Circuit Court, and Judge Brian O'Callaghan struck out the appeal, affirming the sentence. Grealish, who has 70 previous convictions, was led away to commence his sentence.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced4 Jun
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Grealish pleaded guilty to one charge of making an online threat to kill or cause serious harm to Simon Harris and his family.
- When
- The threatening message was sent on Instagram on 4 August 2024.
- Where
- The plea was entered at Derrynea District Court in Connemara, Co Galway, and the appeal was heard at the District Court appeals sitting of Galway Circuit Court.
- In court
- Judge Fiona Lydon imposed an eight-month sentence at the sentence hearing in February 2026, with the final four months suspended.
- On 4 June 2026, Grealish withdrew his appeal and Judge Brian O'Callaghan struck out the appeal, affirming the eight-month sentence.
- Sentence
- The four suspended months were conditional on keeping the peace, being of good behaviour, and refraining from alcohol or other intoxicants, with a €250 bond for one year.
- Other details
- Grealish has 70 previous convictions.
- Grealish is an only child and full-time carer for his 87-year-old mother who has dementia.
- Grealish became emotional when he thanked the judge before being led away to commence his sentence.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGrealish pleaded guilty to one charge of making an online threat to kill or cause serious harm to Simon Harris and his family. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe threatening message was sent on Instagram on 4 August 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Fiona Lydon imposed an eight-month sentence at the sentence hearing in February 2026, with the final four months suspended. (irishtimes.com)
- courtGrealish appeared at the District Court appeals sitting of Galway Circuit Court on Thursday, 4 June 2026. (irishtimes.com)
- courtBarrister Ernie Whyte, instructed by defence solicitor Michael Cunningham, confirmed the defendant was withdrawing his appeal. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceFour months of the sentence were suspended on condition he keep the peace, be of good behaviour and refrain from alcohol or other intoxicants. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceGrealish entered his own bond of €250 to abide by the conditions for one year. (irishtimes.com)
- otherGrealish has 70 previous convictions. (irishtimes.com)
- otherGrealish is an only child and full-time carer for his 87-year-old mother who has dementia. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe defendant became emotional when he thanked the judge before being led away to commence his sentence. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 4 Jun2026Man who threatened Simon Harris and family on Instagram is jailed after withdrawing appeal
Reports that Grealish withdrew his appeal at the District Court appeals sitting of Galway Circuit Court on 4 June 2026 after arranging care for his 87-year-old mother with dementia; Judge Brian O'Callaghan struck out the appeal and affirmed the eight-month sentence (final four months suspended) imposed by Judge Fiona Lydon in February 2026.
suspect, Patrick Grealish, 50, male, Irish, named, irishPatrick Grealishvictim, Simon Harris, male, Irish, irishSimon Harris