Deaf man told to stay in his house if he sees family

A deaf man who pleaded guilty to harassing a doctor and his family has been told he must stay inside his house if he sees them out in public.

John McGrotty, aged 65, had been banned from staying in Donegal for the past month after pleading guilty to 35 counts of harassment.

Dungloe District Court had heard McGrotty made rude gestures to the McEniff family, their children, and threw rusty nails under the tyres of the family’s car. He had also appeared naked in front of Mrs McEniff.

He was ordered to stay with his daughter in Dublin and told to appear at Dungloe District Court.

Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for McGrotty, of St Peter’s Terrace, Dungloe,

asked the court to allow his client come back to live in his home.

Judge Paul Kelly heard how progress was being made with McGrotty following intervention from social worker Declan Boyle.

Outlining her concerns to the court, Eimear McEniff said she had a real fear of the defendant being allowed to return home.

Judge Kelly said while he took on board her concerns, he could not “lock (him) up for life”.

The case is due back before the September sitting of Dungloe District Court.