This article is from page 2 of the 2006-12-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
A MAN who became obsessed with his dentist harassed her by phoning and texting her and calling to her home and surgery in Sixmilebridge.
John Hogan (39), of Newtown, Nenagh, appeared before Shannon District Court charged with 12 counts of harassment – eight in relation to his dentist and four in relation her mother, in Sixmilebridge.
Hogan, a part-time farmer, pleaded guilty to the charges, which relate to 12 different dates, between May and September of this year.
Sergeant Dermot O’Connor said eight of the summonses related to dentist Eimear McGrath, while four related to her mother Rita.
He said Hogan “expressed his love” for Eimear McGrath and a wish to “engage with her.”
He said a lot of the contact was made through the dentist’s surgery – where Rita McGrath also works – and at the McGrath home at Shannon Road, Sixmilebridge.
“He believes she resides at home with her parents, but she doesn’t. Dr McGrath’s parents are concerned for her safety. His visits to her home in Sixmilebridge are causing great upset,” said Sgt O’Connor.
Defending solicitor Caitriona Carmody said her client first met Ms McGrath when she worked as a dentist in Nenagh a number of years ago. He asked her out, but she declined the offer.
“When she moved to Sixmilebridge, he came across her name and photograph in the phone book. He decided to ring her and ask her out. He never intended to harass or upset her,” said Ms Carmody.
She said her client’s doctor said he suffers from epilepsy and that he has no control over his behaviour. “He genuinely doesn’t understand he is upsetting this lady. He has no intention of harming her. He definitely needs to sit down and talk to somebody about this,” she said.
The court was told that Hogan had no previous convictions. Judge Joseph Mangan said he would adjourn the case until 2007, for a psychological report to be carried out.
He ordered Hogan not to have any contact with Eimear McGrath or her mother. Hogan was ordered to stay away from the Shannon District Court area (which includes Sixmilebridge), except to visit his solicitor or to travel to court.
In reply to this, Hogan said to the judge, “It’s the festive season. I’m looking for leniency from the judge. I respect your decision but I expect a bit of leniency.”
The case was re-entered at Killaloe District Court yesterday, when gardaí alleged that Hogan visited Sixmilebridge over the weekend. He was remanded in custody to appear in court again later this week.