Ireland Case No. 29125Breach of court order (identifying a juvenile in criminal proceedings) · Co. Dublin
Woman given suspended sentence for breach of court order in Dublin
Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, a woman from Leixlip, Co Kildare, posted a screenshot on Facebook of a photo identifying Boy A, one of the juveniles convicted of the murder of 14-year-old woman Ana Kriégel in Lucan, Co Dublin, in May 2018. The post, made on or about 19 June 2019 the day after both juveniles were convicted, was in contravention of a court order under the Children's Act 2001. Gardaí attended her address in July 2019 and she was subsequently charged. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 1 July 2021, and on 18 November 2021, Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced her to an eight-month suspended sentence.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court1 Jul
9 reports - Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced18 Nov
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Fitzpatrick posted a screenshot on Facebook of a photo identifying Boy A, one of the juveniles convicted of the murder of Ana Kriégel, on or about 19 June 2019.
- She posted the words 'Name and shame - justice was served but they should not be allowed to see daylight again' alongside the photo.
- Fitzpatrick said she screenshotted the photo from someone else's page and took it down two or three minutes later.
- Where
- Ana Kriégel was murdered at Glenwood House, Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, on 14 May 2018, and her body was found on 17 May.
- When
- The Facebook post was made on or about 19 June 2019, the day after both juveniles were convicted of the murder.
- Investigation
- Gardaí attended at Fitzpatrick's address in July 2019 and she agreed to an interview.
- Charges
- Fitzpatrick was charged with posting a picture on her Facebook account in contravention of the Children's Act 2001.
- In court
- Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 1 July 2021.
- Judge Karen O'Connor described the offence as a serious breach of a court order requiring an element of deterrent.
- Sentence
- Fitzpatrick was sentenced to an eight-month suspended sentence on 18 November 2021.
- Other details
- Fitzpatrick has no previous convictions and was suffering from post-natal depression at the time of the offence.
- She is the first of ten people arrested for posting identifying information about the convicted juveniles to be convicted and sentenced.
83 statements extracted from the articles
- whatShe posted a picture on her Facebook account which includes a picture of Boy A. (kildarenow.com, leitrimobserver.ie)
- whatHazel Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to posting a picture on Facebook including an image of Boy A in contravention of the Children's Act 2001 (irishtimes.com)
- whatAna Kriégel was aged 14 when murdered at Glenwood House, Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, on 14 May 2018 (irishtimes.com)
- whatAna Kriégel's body was found in the disused farmhouse on 17 May, three days after she was reported missing (irishtimes.com)
- whatFitzpatrick posted a screenshot on Facebook of a photo identifying Boy A on the day after both juveniles were convicted. (irishtimes.com)
- whatFitzpatrick said she took the post down two or three minutes later because people were texting her. (irishtimes.com)
- whatFitzpatrick said she screenshotted the photo from someone else's page and then shared it, and took it down two or three minutes later. (kildarenow.com)
- whatFitzpatrick posted a screenshot on Facebook of a photo identifying Boy A on the day after both juveniles were convicted in June 2019. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatFitzpatrick screenshotted the photo from someone else's page, shared it on Facebook, and took it down two or three minutes later. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatShe posted a screenshot on Facebook of a photo that identified Boy A. (rte.ie)
- whatShe posted the words 'Name and shame - justice was served but they should not be allowed to see daylight again' alongside the photo. (rte.ie)
- whatThe couple were found guilty of FGM of their one-year-old daughter in 2016, the first trial of its kind in the country. (rte.ie)
- whatThe defendants claimed their daughter suffered her injury when she fell backwards on to a toy in her house. (rte.ie)
- whatThey attended a hospital with their daughter and asked for help because she was bleeding from the genital area. (rte.ie)
- whatThey claimed the child sustained her injuries by falling backwards onto a toy while not wearing a nappy. (rte.ie)
- whereFitzpatrick is from Easton Green, Easton Road, Leixlip, Co Kildare. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe couple are originally from a French-speaking region of Africa. (rte.ie)
- whenThe Facebook post was made on or about 19 June 2019. (rte.ie, kildarenow.com, thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- whenThe photo was posted on or about 19 June 2019 (leitrimobserver.ie)
- whenGardaí attended at Fitzpatrick's address in July 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe murder of Ana Kriégel took place in Dublin in May 2018. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe photo was posted on the day after both juveniles were convicted of the murder. (rte.ie)
- investigationGardaí attended at Fitzpatrick's address in July 2019 and she agreed to an interview. (kildarenow.com)
- investigationWhen gardaí attended at her address in July 2019, Fitzpatrick said she had been expecting them and agreed to an interview. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationSnapshots of certain posts made on social media sites were brought to the attention of gardaí, including the post made by Fitzpatrick. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationGardaí were satisfied the image shared was a clear breach of the order and identified the accused's address. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationShe co-operated with gardaí in the investigation. (rte.ie)
- investigationTen people were arrested for allegedly posting names or photos of the two convicted boys online. (rte.ie)
- chargeShe was charged with posting a picture on her Facebook account in contravention of the Children's Act 2001. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe offence was in contravention of the Children's Act 2001. (kildarenow.com)
- chargeThe posting was in contravention of the Children's Act 2001 (leitrimobserver.ie)
- chargeFitzpatrick pleaded guilty to posting a picture on her Facebook account in contravention of the Children's Act 2001 on or about 19 June 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeFitzpatrick pleaded guilty to posting a picture on her Facebook account which includes a picture of Boy A in contravention of the Children's Act 2001 on or about June 19, 2019. (kildarenow.com)
- chargeFitzpatrick pleaded guilty to posting a picture on her Facebook account in contravention of the Children's Act 2001 on or about June 19, 2019. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThe 39-year-old man and 29-year-old woman also pleaded not guilty to one count of child cruelty on the same day. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe State did not argue the couple had carried out FGM themselves but had aided and abetted, counselled or procured it. (rte.ie)
- courtHazel Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. (rte.ie, leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtJudge Melanie Greally ordered a Probation Service report. (rte.ie, kildarenow.com, thejournal.ie, leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtThe judge directed a victim impact statement on a non-prejudice basis. (rte.ie, kildarenow.com, irishtimes.com)
- courtFitzpatrick was remanded on continuing bail. (rte.ie, kildarenow.com, leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtThe matter was adjourned for sentence on 4 November. (rte.ie, leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtHazel Fitzpatrick, 25, of Easton Green, Easton Road, Leixlip, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. (kildarenow.com)
- courtThe matter was adjourned for sentencing on 4 November. (kildarenow.com)
- courtA victim impact statement was directed on a non-prejudice basis (thejournal.ie, leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtFitzpatrick was remanded on continuing bail and the matter adjourned for sentence on 4 November (thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Melanie Greally directed a report from the Probation Service (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe presiding judge of the trial made an order that nothing could be published that would identify or tend to identify the two convicted juveniles. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe DPP initially directed a summary disposal in the District Court, jurisdiction was accepted by one judge but later refused by another. (irishtimes.com, kildarenow.com)
- courtThe presiding judge of the trial had made an order that nothing could be published that would identify or tend to identify the two convicted juveniles. (kildarenow.com, leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Karen O'Connor remanded Fitzpatrick on continuing bail and adjourned the matter for finalisation to November 18. (kildarenow.com)
- courtThe DPP initially directed a summary disposal in the District Court, which was accepted by one judge but later refused by another. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Karen O'Connor remanded Fitzpatrick on continuing bail and adjourned the matter for finalisation to 18 November 2021. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Karen O'Connor presided over the sentencing. (rte.ie)
- courtThe judge described the offence as a serious breach of a court order requiring an element of deterrent. (rte.ie)
- courtThe presiding judge in the murder trial had made an order that nothing could be published identifying the two convicted juveniles. (rte.ie)
- courtThey pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in November 2019 to one count of carrying out an act of FGM on their daughter at an address in Dublin on 16 September 2016. (rte.ie)
- courtThe jury returned unanimous verdicts of guilty on all counts after three hours of deliberations following an eight-day trial. (rte.ie)
- courtThe Court of Appeal, with Mr Justice John Edwards sitting with Court President Mr Justice George Birmingham and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, found serious and far-reaching inaccuracies in the translation process. (rte.ie)
- courtShane Costelloe SC, for the DPP, said the State would be requesting a retrial. (rte.ie)
- sentenceBoy A was sentenced to detention for life with a review after 15 years (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceBoy B was given a 12-year sentence with a review after eight years and is appealing his conviction (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceHazel Fitzpatrick was given an eight-month suspended sentence. (rte.ie)
- sentenceIn January 2020, Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced the man to five-and-a-half-years' imprisonment and the woman to four years and nine months. (rte.ie)
- otherHer defence counsel stated she has no previous convictions. (rte.ie)
- otherAnne-Marie Lawlor SC was defending Fitzpatrick. (kildarenow.com, leitrimobserver.ie)
- otherFitzpatrick has no previous convictions. (kildarenow.com, irishtimes.com, leitrimobserver.ie, leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHazel Fitzpatrick has no previous convictions (thejournal.ie)
- otherBoth boys are now aged 16 and were 13 at the time of the murder (irishtimes.com)
- otherAs juveniles the boys had the legal right to anonymity (irishtimes.com)
- otherAfter the trial, images appeared on social media purporting to identify the boys (irishtimes.com)
- otherFitzpatrick was suffering from post-natal depression at the time of the offence. (irishtimes.com)
- otherA Probation Service report describes Fitzpatrick as being at a low-risk of reoffending. (irishtimes.com, kildarenow.com)
- otherFitzpatrick has two small children. (irishtimes.com, kildarenow.com, leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherAna Kriégel was 14 years old. (irishtimes.com)
- otherDefence counsel said Fitzpatrick was suffering from post-natal depression at the time of the offence. (kildarenow.com)
- otherA Probation Service report described Fitzpatrick as being at a low-risk of reoffending. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe court heard she was almost reliant on and addicted to social media when she posted the photo. (rte.ie)
- otherShe is a mother of two. (rte.ie)
- otherHazel Fitzpatrick is the first of those ten to be convicted and sentenced. (rte.ie)
- otherIt is against the law to identify children in criminal cases. (rte.ie)
- otherFGM has been outlawed in Ireland since 2012 and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. (rte.ie)
- otherThe parents' version of events was disputed by several medical experts. (rte.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 18 Nov2021Couple in FGM trial have convictions quashed on appeal
Court of Appeal quashed the couple's FGM and child cruelty convictions, ruling the trial was unfair due to 'serious and far-reaching inaccuracies in the translation process'; DPP requested a retrial.
victim, 1, female, non-irishaccused, 39, male, non-irishaccused, 29, female, non-irish - 18 Nov2021Suspended sentence for woman who posted image of Boy A
First of ten people arrested for posting identifying information about the convicted juveniles to be convicted and sentenced; eight-month suspended sentence imposed by Judge Karen O'Connor.
convicted, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrick - 5 Nov2021Mother who posted pic of 'Boy A' in Ana Kriégel murder case 'addicted to social media'
Reports the court hearing at which Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty, providing details of the Facebook post content, her interview with gardaí, the DPP's initial direction for summary disposal, and defence submissions regarding post-natal depression and social media addiction. Matter adjourned for finalisation to 18 November 2021.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrick - 4 Nov2021Kildare mum who posted pic of 'Boy A' in Ana Kriégel murder case acted 'out of pure anger', court told
Describes the plea hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty, defence submissions about her post-natal depression and social media use, and adjournment to 18 November 2021 for finalisation.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrick - 4 Nov2021Woman posted in ‘pure anger’ photo of boy who murdered Ana Kriégel
Covers the plea hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty, provided mitigation including post-natal depression and social media addiction, and was remanded on bail with finalisation adjourned to 18 November 2021.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrick - 1 Jul2021Woman pleads guilty to posting photo online of boy convicted of Ana Kriégel murder
Plea of guilty recorded; Probation Service report and victim impact statement directed; remanded on continuing bail; sentencing adjourned to 4 November 2021.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrick - 1 Jul2021Woman pleads guilty to posting photograph of Boy A in Ana Kriégel case
Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court; no previous convictions; judge directed a Probation Service report and a victim-impact statement on a non-prejudice basis; remanded on continuing bail; adjourned for sentence on 4 November 2021. Article also notes Boy A's life sentence with 15-year review, Boy B's 12-year sentence with 8-year review and ongoing appeal, and that both are now 16.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrickvictim, Ana Kriégel, 14, female, non-irish (judged from name)Ana Kriégel - 1 Jul2021Woman pleads guilty to posting photo online of boy convicted of Ana Kriégal murder
Reports the guilty plea at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the ordering of a Probation Service report, a directed victim impact statement on a non-prejudice basis, and adjournment for sentence to 4 November 2021.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrickvictim, Boy A, maleBoy A - 1 Jul2021Kildare woman pleads guilty to posting photo online of boy convicted of Ana Kriégel murder
Plea of guilty recorded; remanded on continuing bail; sentencing adjourned to 4 November 2021; Probation Service report and victim impact statement directed by Judge Melanie Greally.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrickvictim, Boy A, maleBoy A - 1 Jul2021Woman pleads guilty to sharing photo in Kriégel case
Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty and was remanded on continuing bail; sentencing adjourned to 4 November 2021. Judge Greally directed a Probation Service report and a victim impact statement on a non-prejudice basis.
accused, Hazel Fitzpatrick, 25, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Fitzpatrick