An autism campaigner was given a 60-day suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to trespassing on the property of a Christian group she believed was a “cult.”
Fiona O’Leary, 51, of Knockduff, Dunmanway, Co. Cork, was charged with trespassing on Reenascreena premises owned by the Society of St. Pius X Resistance (SSPX Resistance) in Bandon District Court on 10 August. pleaded guilty. 2020.
Lieutenant Deborah Walsh told Judge James McNulty at 5:20 p.m. He said that he had entered the property of
A judge heard what she said was a press worker and “Covid police,” and began filming various areas of the property, including her office and bedrooms.
Insp Walsh said the footage was uploaded to social media.
In court, Insp Walsh said Fr Ballini contacted Gardaí in court and his statement was read out in court. In it, he said five people, including two adults, parked their cars on the property and entered the building despite being asked to leave by two women who were there.
The statement said Ms O’Leary had taped her walking around the property, said she was part of the “Covid police” and accused people there of not wearing masks. The court heard that the shoot included a private room and an office shoot, even though she requested not to. Ms O’Leary departed at 5:50 p.m. .
Mrs O’Leary’s attorney, Alan O’Dwyer, agreed that this was a fair representation of the facts. O’Dwyer outlined a plea for mitigation for his previously unconvicted client and said Father Ballini was excommunicated from the Catholic Church.
O’Dwyer said O’Leary is a mother of five children who, along with four, have autism and that her 30-year-old daughter has serious health problems. Stated. Both she and her partner are caregivers, and Ms. O’Leary told the court that she had not been brought to Garda’s attention since the incident.
O’Dwyer said of O’Leary, “She would describe herself as a campaigner for people’s rights.
“This group [SSPX Resistance] Calling themselves the Resistance, she feels they are acting outside the bounds of legality.
“She may believe they are a cult.”
Using his own words, O’Dwyer added, “This was an attempt born out of misplaced public concern.”
O’Dwyer said his client pleaded guilty to Article 13 offenses, apologized, and said he would have acted differently if he had been able to go back in time.
Judge McNulty said it was a “serious crime” given that it involved “deliberate encroachment on private property” in violation of constitutional rights.
“She has a right to resent,” the judge said. “She may have an antipathy towards them. [the group]but antipathy is not allowed to escalate to the stage of hostility, hostility, or vitriol.
“There is a distinct impression here that your client is taking on the role of the political correctness police himself.”
He said neither the fine nor the community service was appropriate, and given aggravating factors, such as having a teenage son during the incident, and mitigating factors, such as responsibility for her care, gave Ms O’Leary 60. Sentenced to 2 days in prison. 2 years full suspended prison.
The suspended sentence on self-bail of €2,000 is conditional on her remaining peaceful and well-behaved, and not engaging in any activity in public places or in public for the next two years. special conditions are required. Include forums, social her media that abuse or attack individuals or groups with whom she disagrees.
The judge said Mr. O’Leary could have his own opinions, hold them, and foster antipathy, but that there were necessary boundaries for public speech and debate among citizens.
