Latest news with #Harassment
The Journal
6 days ago
- The Journal
Former head of garda group was ‘profoundly distressed' by online harassment, court hears
FORMER GENERAL SECRETARY of the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors (AGIS) Antoinette Cunningham has revealed in court how 'blatantly false, vile social media attacks' left her feeling profound distress and helplessness. Andrew McGovern, 38, of School Lane, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath, the man behind 'sinister' messages on Twitter, now X, was remanded on continuing bail pending sentencing by Judge Bernadette Owens at Mullingar District Court today. McGovern pleaded guilty to a charge stating that he 'did distribute or publish a threatening or grossly offensive communication about Antoinette Cunningham with intent to cause harm.' The offence occurred in the Mullingar area from 16 to 30 March, 2023, while she was still head of the AGSI. The charge under section 4 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 carries a possible six-month sentence at the District Court level. In November, McGovern failed to appear in court, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest. He was later bailed again and a probation report was ordered. Dressed in a green and hooded black tracksuit and white runners and wearing a facemask throughout the hearing, McGovern sat silently on with his arms crossed. He will be sentenced on 4 September. Detective Sergeant Alan Farrelly of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation outlined the facts. He told the court that the first set of five direct messages was sent privately to the victim and made claims that she was his godmother. He maintained his father had told him before he died, and he remembered her when he was a little toddler in the 1990s, saying 'God mum, are you annoyed with me?'. Cunningham ignored the messages until she learned of a second set of 'more sinister' posts on his Twitter account about her and mentioning a person connected to her that were publicly accessible. They contained unfounded claims that allegations had been 'all swept under the carpet' and that his life had been ruined forever. When questioned by the detective sergeant, he never apologised and continued his story, even when various inconsistencies were pointed out to him. Advertisement He had one prior conviction for drink driving, which led to a road ban in 2008. In a victim impact statement, Cunningham addressed the court. She spoke out at her dismay at seeing 'blatantly false, vile, and completely shocking allegations' about her on social media. They mentioned her job, which she believed was an attempt 'to try and deliberately damage and discredit me'. Describing the posts as 'a demonstration of the very toxic side of social media,' she highlighted how the attacks violated her privacy and integrity, 'and my sense of personal well-being and peace of mind was fractured as a result of what happened'. The court heard she could not fathom why somebody would choose to post disturbing messages about her and to continue doing it. 'I felt helpless to defend myself or to receive the expected support from the social media platform; there was a personal vilification of me going on, and I was powerless, at that point, to do anything about it. 'The messages had a profoundly negative effect on me, they were filled with hate, disinformation, offensive content, lies and basely offensive matters.' Cunningham highlighted the added pressure of 'presenting a façade of normality' while dealing with the stress of the situation. She emphasised the urgency of speaking out, and had strong words for the social media platform, adding: 'To this day, I find it deeply upsetting that something that is a criminal offence in this country is not accepted as a breach of social media rules here.' Last year, Cunningham, from Limerick, announced her retirement after 33 years with An Garda Síochána and the AGSI. She has since moved on to become an employer relations executive with the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec). She made Irish policing history in 2018 when she became the first full-time female official in a Garda representative organisation and the first woman to serve at every executive level of the association. Judge Owens noted a probation report on McGovern referred to the possibility of a psychiatric assessment. However, she added that she was not going down that route because if McGovern was not going to engage with the process, it would be unfair to allow for no valid reason. Defence solicitor John Quinn told the court he needed to consult with his client over the contents of the report.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- RTÉ News
Former AGSI head 'felt helpless' after online harassment, court hears
Former General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Antoinette Cunningham has said that "blatantly false and vile" material posted about her online has had a profoundly negative impact on her and her family. In a victim impact statement at Mullingar District Court today, Ms Cunningham said the messages, which were posted publicly and sent privately on the social media platform Twitter, now known as X, left her feeling helpless and powerless. 38-year-old Andrew McGovern, of School Lane, Rathowen, Co Westmeath previously pleaded guilty to harassing Ms Cunningham under Section 4 (1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. Ms Cunningham, was general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) when the offences happened over a two-week period in March 2023. Detective Sergeant Alan Farrell from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation told Mullingar District Court today that the first set of direct messages were sent privately and were ignored by Ms Cunningham. He said Ms Cunningham later learned of posts on Mr McGovern's Twitter account about her that were openly accessible containing unfounded claims and allegations being "all swept under the carpet" and his life being ruined. Detective Farrell said there was no truth in the content. At sentencing today, Judge Bernadette Owens heard that while the probation report had been received, Mr McGovern's solicitor John Quinn requested more time to discuss to it with his client. Judge Owens adjourned the case until 4 September for sentencing. Victim Impact Statement In a hard hitting victim impact statement, Antoinette Cunningham said the "lies, falsehoods and character destruction" posted online had a profoundly negative effect on her and her family. "The emotional impact of this crime on me was difficult, I still don't understand why a stranger decided to target me in this way" she said. "I felt a total violation of my privacy, my character, my integrity, and my sense of personal well-being and peace of mind was fractured as a result of what happened." Ms Cunningham outlined that she became aware of the allegations posted on a social media platform in March 2023. She said she tried to have the material removed but was advised by the social media platform that the material did not, in their view, 'violate their rules'." Ms Cunningham said "this added enormously to the upset and vulnerability" she felt. "I felt helpless to defend myself or to receive the expected support from the social media platform, there was a personal vilification of me going on, and I was powerless, at that point, to do anything about it." Ms Cunningham told the court that at the time of the incident, she held the position of general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, a job which carries a significant public profile and role. She spoke of how difficult it was, in such a busy and demanding job, "to present a façade of normality at work while at the same time trying to deal with this matter". Ms Cunningham said until today, she has remained a relatively voiceless victim of this crime, to fully respect the investigation and judicial process and she hopes by speaking out, she can encourage others to come forward. "Online harassment can happen to anyone, in any walk of life and this case, sadly, is a demonstration of the very toxic side of social media, that came into my everyday life and turned, what was a normal evening at home, into a process that is only ending now" The former AGSI General Secretary criticised the social media platform X saying she finds it "deeply upsetting that something that is a criminal offence in this country is not accepted as a breach of social media rules here". "I have chosen now, to speak to the court about this matter, to convey my sense of frustration at having to publicly expose myself again as I feel I have no other real choice," Ms Cunningham added. "To stay silent, I would be doing a disservice to myself but especially to my family and allowing behaviour like this to go unchallenged." "I genuinely feel it is my civic duty to speak up and voice how this has affected me, so that others may feel empowered to address similar situations and take action for their own safety and wellbeing" she said. Ms Cunningham also paid tribute to the gardaí involved in the investigation.
BreakingNews.ie
14-07-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Man (20s) charged over alleged stalking incident in Dublin
A man in his 20s has been charged over an incident of Stalking/Harassment at premises on Harcourt Street in Dublin in March. He is due to appear before Dublin District Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday. Advertisement Gardaí attached to Kevin Street Garda Station investigating an alleged incident of stalking/harassment that occurred at a premises on Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 arrested the man. He was detained for questioning at a Garda Station in Dublin following a search at a residential address.
San Francisco Chronicle
08-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Investigation finds Bay FC coach did not violate the NWSL's harassment and bullying policy
An independent investigation found that Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya did not violate the National Women's Soccer League's antiharassment, discrimination and bullying policy, but found shortcomings in his communication style. The investigation stemmed from a report in the San Francisco Chronicle in March that described a 'toxic' work environment. At least two formal complaints had been made about the team, the newspaper reported. Montoya was investigated for alleged violations of the Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying. The findings were announced Tuesday. All parties cooperated with the investigation, which was conducted by New York-based law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. 'The league conducted a comprehensive review and determined Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya was not in violation of any league rules," Bay FC said in a statement in response to the league's announcement. "We are grateful the league has identified opportunities for additional communication improvements which we are, and have been, implementing. We strive to be a player-centric club and will continue to work hard to make sure we have a supportive environment for our players. We believe in the culture we are building at Bay FC and will continue to support our players' growth on and off the pitch.' Among the findings were recommendations to 'facilitate more effective communication and enhance support structures, which the NWSL, Bay FC and coach Montoya have taken, and are continuing to take, to address such concerns,' the league said. The NWSL was rocked by an abuse and misconduct scandal in 2021. Five coaches resigned or were fired in the aftermath. In response, the NWSL implemented changes to protect players, including enhanced vetting of club employees and an anonymous tip line for players. ___
Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Investigation finds Bay FC coach did not violate the NWSL's harassment and bullying policy
An independent investigation found that Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya did not violate the National Women's Soccer League's antiharassment, discrimination and bullying policy, but found shortcomings in his communication style. The investigation stemmed from a report in the San Francisco Chronicle in March that described a 'toxic' work environment. At least two formal complaints had been made about the team, the newspaper reported. Montoya was investigated for alleged violations of the Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying. The findings were announced Tuesday. All parties cooperated with the investigation, which was conducted by New York-based law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. 'The league conducted a comprehensive review and determined Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya was not in violation of any league rules,' Bay FC said in a statement in response to the league's announcement. 'We are grateful the league has identified opportunities for additional communication improvements which we are, and have been, implementing. We strive to be a player-centric club and will continue to work hard to make sure we have a supportive environment for our players. We believe in the culture we are building at Bay FC and will continue to support our players' growth on and off the pitch.' Among the findings were recommendations to 'facilitate more effective communication and enhance support structures, which the NWSL, Bay FC and coach Montoya have taken, and are continuing to take, to address such concerns,' the league said. The NWSL was rocked by an abuse and misconduct scandal in 2021. Five coaches resigned or were fired in the aftermath. In response, the NWSL implemented changes to protect players, including enhanced vetting of club employees and an anonymous tip line for players. The NWSL Players Association also negotiated safeguards in its collective-bargaining agreement with the league. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP soccer:
