A Tralee teenager is facing two charges, following the alleged harassment of former Arsenal and England player Ian Wright.
18-year-old Patrick O’Brien of 8 Sycamore Court, Ashleigh Downs, Tralee appeared before the local district court this morning, facing two charges.
These arise from the alleged racial abuse of Ian Wright earlier this summer.
Garda Sergeant Eoin O’Donovan told Judge David Waters that he arrested 18-year-old Patrick O’Brien this morning on Ashe Street, Tralee.
The accused made no reply upon being charged.
Patrick O’Brien, who appeared in court accompanied by his mother, is facing two charges: it’s alleged that he, on the 11th May, 2020, at a place unknown in the district court area of Tralee, harassed Ian Wright.
This was contrary to Section 10.1 and 6 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
Mr O’Brien is also facing a second charge from the same date and location: it’s alleged he did send by telephone a message that was grossly offensive, obscene and menacing.
This was contrary to Section 13.1 (a) and Section 13.2 of the Post Office Act 1951, amended by Section 4 of the Communications Act 2007.
The DPP directed that the case can be dealt with summarily, meaning without trial before judge and jury, if there is a guilty plea.
Solicitor Pat Mann, who represented the teenager, sought disclosure on the matter in Tralee District Court.
Judge David Waters heard there is no objection to bail from gardaí.
He remanded Mr O’Brien on continuing bail and ordered him to reappear on the 18th November when jurisdiction will be decided.
