‘First Dates’ star faces harassment charge

RTÉ First Dates star Daphney Sanasie who is accused of harassing chef Dylan McGrath has been given four weeks to decide how she will plead.

The 26-year-old model of Jamestown Rd, Dublin 8, is accused of harassing Mr McGrath, 39, at various locations in the State from September 9 until November 21 last year. The charge is contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

She has not yet entered a plea and was ordered to appear again at Dublin District Court on June 24 to allow her time to brief her lawyers.

She first appeared at a late sitting of the court on April 15 when evidence of her arrest was given by Garda Colm Kelly of the Bridewell station.

At her previous hearing, the court had heard the DPP has directed summary disposal of the case meaning it is to stay in the District Court and not go forward to the Circuit Court which has tougher sentencing powers.

The offence, at district court level, can result in a fine and a maximum 12 month sentence. Garda Kelly has complied with an order to provide disclosure of the prosecution evidence.

However, Judge Cormac Dunne was told yesterday/ Ms Sanasie has recently changed legal firm. Her barrister Gareth Robinson (instructed by Robinson O’Neill solicitors) told the court he needed time “for disclosure and instructions to be taken”.