A Co Longford man has been given a three-month suspended sentence in relation to threats made against Fianna Fáil Minister of State Mary Butler.
David Larkin, 43, of Ardnacassa Lawns in Co Longford, was sentenced in Longford District Court today following an earlier guilty plea in December, when he appeared on similar charges in a separate case.
On 5 December 2023, Larkin was handed a five-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to harassing Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy.
Today’s sentencing related to two charges over messages sent by phone to Ms Butler on 18 and 19 January 2022 that were grossly offensive, indecent and menacing under section 13 of the Post Office Amendment Act.
Ahead of sentencing, the court heard that Larkin had co-operated fully with the gardaí and made a full admission of sending text messages.
It also heard that Larkin was vehemently opposed to the Covid-19 vaccine which appeared to be his motive for sending the messages.
Defence Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client Larkin is single, with no children and lives with his mother.
He said Larkin lived in the US for 14 years and had lived in Dublin, but has been living in Longford for some time now.
He said his client had given categorical assurances that he would not contact Ms Butler directly or indirectly again.
He also said Larkin asked to apologise to Ms Butler in a public forum in court for what he did.
The court heard that Larkin accepts that whatever his views are, he had no right to do what he did, he has sought medical interventions and worked with the probation service.
Judge Bernadette Owens said she had noted the victim’s impact statement.
She said credit should be given to Larkin for his guilty plea, cooperating fully with the gardaí and making an admission to them.
She said she was aware of his previous probation report and that he was now availing of supports, she urged him to continue with these supports so he did not find himself in the same place he found himself in in December 2021 and May 2022.
Judge Owens imposed a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and on Larkin’s own bond of €250.
