Ex-garda harassment case: Victim 'feared for her life'

An ex-garda has pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to harassing his former girlfriend and making over 2,200 pest phone calls to her.

The court heard that 29-year-old Colette Woods, of Cootehill, Co Cavan, was left in fear of her life due to the harassment carried out by 41-year-old Austin Woods, with addresses at 72 Nessan Rd, Dublin and Hackballscross, Co Louth.

Ms Johnson owned a pub in Granard, Co Longford, when she began the relationship with Woods, who was then based in Dublin.

When she ended it after almost a year, Woods was unhappy with the situation.

Many of the phone calls made to her were silent, while in others he threatened to burn the house down.

Ms Johnson later sold her pub, and it was claimed in court prior to the sale, Woods placed bogus ads in local newspapers, advertising the auction in a different location.

It was also claimed he sent her a brown envelope containing excrement.

Woods was subsequently electronically monitored by gardai in a bid to stop the harassment.