Leitrim man sentenced to three years for harassment of Mayo woman

A Leitrim man has been sentenced to three years in prison following a harrowing case of harassment targeting a woman he met online. David Moran, 33, from Corrabeagh, Gorvagh in County Leitrim, was sentenced in Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court last week, after admitting to a sustained campaign of harassment against a 31-year-old woman from Mayo over a period of 13 months. Judge Eoin Garavan condemned Moran’s actions, calling them “sinister and deceitful” and “at the higher end of harassment.”

The court heard that Moran met the victim on a dating app in early 2020, but despite her decision not to pursue a romantic relationship, they stayed in contact through messaging. This friendship deteriorated in late 2021, leading Moran to launch a lengthy campaign of harassment that included disturbing acts such as planting threatening signs near her home, creating fake social media accounts, and sending offensive messages to her friends and colleagues.

The victim, whose identity remains confidential, endured more than a year of distress and fear, with Moran reportedly making multiple night-time trips to her home to plant disturbing messages. He was eventually identified as the culprit through a fake email account, which Gardaí linked to his mobile number. Evidence, including messages, paint supplies, and disturbing signs, was later discovered at his residence in Mohill.

In a moving statement, the victim described the “mental torture” she experienced, explaining how the ordeal not only disrupted her life but also deeply impacted her family. Her father even took to patrolling their home in an attempt to catch the person responsible.

Judge Garavan was visibly disturbed by the extent of Moran’s efforts to instill fear, highlighting the premeditation and persistence involved in Moran’s actions. He described Moran’s actions as “extraordinary” and questioned how long the harassment would have continued if Moran hadn’t been caught. In his sentencing, the judge expressed concern about the absence of any clear motive beyond resentment, calling the sustained nature of the harassment “astounding.”

Despite an offer of €20,000 in compensation from Moran, Judge Garavan felt that the sentence had to reflect the seriousness of his actions. Moran was given a four-year sentence, with the final year suspended, conditional upon participation in programs to address his behavior and support his rehabilitation. Additionally, Moran has been barred from contacting the victim or her family for ten years post-release.

Moran, who ran a local machinery business, now faces social isolation, with his actions widely condemned within his community. His defense counsel noted that Moran had experienced significant backlash and personal repercussions since the case became public. The court also heard that he is committed to understanding the gravity of his actions and participating in rehabilitative programs.

Judge Garavan concluded the sentencing by commending the victim’s resilience, hoping this verdict marks a new beginning for her after a deeply traumatic experience.