Suspended sentence for harassing ex-girlfriend

A Tipperary man who stalked and harassed his former girlfriend for over six months has been given a suspended sentence.

David Nevin, 40, sent texts to Patricia Dardis, phoned her, emailed her, sent faxes to her office, notes to her home, turned up at her place of work and home, and tried to contact the CEO of the firm where she worked.

Nevin from Terryglass, Nenagh, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to harassment from August 2012 to February 2013 at locations in Dublin.

Judge Martin Nolan had remanded Nevin in custody in early May to “think about his position” and yesterday sentenced him to three and a half years but suspended it.

Gerry Charlton, defending, said his client had asked counsel to reiterate his apology to Ms Dardis.

Nevin has a previous conviction for harassment of another former partner from May 2011 for which he was bound to the peace.

Judge Nolan ordered him to be of good behaviour, and in no way to contact or attempt to contact, or be in the presence of, Ms Dardis. He was also ordered to hand over €1,000, which he had offered as a token of remorse.