Man must stay away from his mother after sending her frightening texts

A 40-year-old man pleaded guilty yesterday to sending frightening emails and texts to his mother.

Robert Curran pleaded guilty at Cork District Court yesterday to two charges of breaching a barring order by putting his mother in fear.

The first charge related to October 2014 when he breached the barring order by sending his mother three texts that put her in fear.

The second charge related to emails sent by the accused on January 2 and not opened until January 10.

The content of all of the communications was not disclosed when Insp Eileen Foster gave the background details to the case at Cork District Court but they were described previously as ‘horrific’.

In one he referred to her plans to sell her house where he asked how the sale would be affected by someone being killed there.

Judge Olann Kelleher said: “This woman was petrified of him.”

The judge granted bail to the accused a fortnight ago, but attached strict conditions requiring him to stay well away from his mother. It was confirmed yesterday that Curran had abided by those conditions and there had been no problems since.

Emmet Boyle, defence solicitor, read from Sheila Curran’s statement to gardaí that she originally got the barring order because her son had been violent at home and had a history of mental health issues.

Mr Boyle said: “There is no gainsaying the type of messages were sent and they must have been very upsetting for the mother.”

Judge Kelleher said: “It was a very tragic thing for a mother to have to give evidence that she was absolutely scared. I will put it back to June to see how it goes in the meantime.”

Sentencing was adjourned until June 15 with the same bail conditions applying.

Curran said in the previous court hearing: “I never ever raised a hand to my mother. I accept that (threats were made) but that is what they are — threats.”

His mother, Sheila Curran, said on that occasion: “I am afraid he is going to come to my house and kill me. He told me he would. I am totally terrified. He is telling me he is going to kill me.

“I was going to put my house up for sale. He said, what is your house going to be worth if someone is killed in it?”

Robert Curran’s ongoing bail conditions require him to stay away from his mother’s house at Knockanemore, Ovens, Co Cork, and to reside at Begley’s Farm, Ovens.

He is also required to make no contact, direct or indirect, with his mother.