Woman spared jail over harassment

An autistic woman who harassed a former colleague’s wife has been spared jail for one year to see how she gets on in the community while continuing with her medication and treatment.

Gráinne O’Toole, aged 41, had been diagnosed with autism and obsessive persecution delusions but was remanded in custody last July after she again tweeted about her victim.

The court was told at the original sentence hearing that O’Toole made over 310 abusive texts, calls, and tweets to Jennifer Doran.

O’Toole, of Willow Park Grove, Glasnevin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to harassing Ms Doran between October 1, 2011, and February 2, 2012.

Judge Patrick McCartan yesterday said he was adjourning the sentence for one year to allow O’Toole continue with her treatment and her college studies in the community.

He said he had to consider her victim, who suffered “utterly unforgivable and indefensible infringement of her rights and privacy”.

The judge warned this is a last chance.