60-year-old man who stalked young woman in Dungarvan due to be sentenced
Martin Whelan, of Lackendarra, Ballynamult, Dungarvan, was found guilty of harassment by a jury in March of this year.
A sentencing date has been set for a 60-year-old man who stalked a young woman over a six-month period.
Martin Whelan, of Lackendarra, Ballynamult, Dungarvan, was found guilty of harassment by a jury in March of this year.
During the trial, the victim described how in September 2023 she saw what she understood to be Whelan tailing her car throughout town.
The woman also claimed to have seen the man driving outside her home, her place of work and attending her gym at the same time as her.
She explained that she suffered from mental and physical health difficulties as a result and became afraid to leave her house. She also said that she attempted to change her physical appearance in response to the man’s continuous harassment.
After only an hour of deliberation, the jury of six men and six women returned a guilty verdict.
Following advice from gardaí who said that Whelan was at high risk of committing offences of a similar nature if granted bail, Judge O’Kelly ordered that the man be taken into custody while he awaits sentencing.
He appeared via video link at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court this week.
The court was informed by his defence counsel that a psychological report will need to be obtained prior to sentencing.
If a report is received before July 8, the man will be sentenced on that date.
