Model faces harassment trial

First Dates star Daphney Sanasie will go on trial in January accused of harassing celebrity chef Dylan McGrath.

The 26-year-old model from South Africa, who has an address at Jamestown Road, in Dublin 8, is accused of harassing Dylan McGrath, aged 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 is contesting the case and her Dublin District Court trial had been scheduled to take place on September 30 but could not proceed then because Mr McGrath was bedridden with a serious back injury.

Judge William Hamill was told yesterday Mr McGrath would not be able to attend court prior to Christmas. Judge Hamill noted there was no CCTV evidence and ordered the trial take place on January 20.

The State intends to call 10 witnesses and Gareth Robinson BL for Ms Sanasie said two people may give evidence for the defence.

Earlier, the court heard Ms Sanasie has completed her studies in Ireland and wishes to return to Cape Town.

Two phones have been forensically examined as part of the investigation.

At a previous hearing the court had heard that the DPP has directed summary disposal of the case meaning it is to stay in the district court and should 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.

The South African model was known as Federica Sanasie when she appeared on hit matchmaking TV series First Dates earlier this year.