Man accused in Galway court of blackmailing person and distributing intimate image
That charge alleges that the accused distributed an intimate image of the alleged victim without their consent and with intent to cause harm and, or being reckless as to whether or not harm was caused.
A 48-year-old man accused of blackmail and distributing an intimate image of another man in Galway will have his case heard in the Circuit Court.
The man, who cannot be identified, is charged that on a date unknown between December 2024 and March 2025 at an address in Galway City, he harassed another man, contrary to Section 10 (1) and (9) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, as substituted by Section 23 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act..
He is also charged that in the same period and at the same address, he made an unwarranted demand with menaces with intent to cause loss to another - to wit - demands for money with the threat of sharing intimate images if the demand was not met.
That is contrary to Section 17 of the Criminal Justice Public Order Act, as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.
The man faces a third charge contrary to Section 2 (1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.
That charge alleges that between December 2024 and March 2025, the accused distributed an intimate image of the alleged victim without their consent and with intent to cause harm and, or being reckless as to whether or not harm was caused.
At Galway District Court, solicitor Matthew Kenny said he was coming on record to represent the accused on a private basis, and the case is outside the current legal aid dispute that has led to a withdrawal of services by some solicitors.
Sergeant Joanne McGhee told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions directed prosecution on indictment in the Circuit Criminal Court with consent for the accused to enter a signed plea of guilty should it arise.
Mr Kenny said he would write to Rachel Joyce, State Solicitor for Galway West, and the case may take a “certain course". He also asked the court to certify for a Russian interpreter to be present on the next court date.
Judge Tom MacSharry remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear again on November 9.
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