Former Cork councillor pleads guilty to harassing woman in city three years ago

Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, admitted the charge of harassment on three dates at a location in Cork City

Gary O'Flynn was a councillor on Cork City Council from 2003 to 2008. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney

A former Fianna Fáil councillor pleaded guilty on Wednesday to harassing a woman in Cork City in the summer of 2022.

49-year-old Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, of Melvindale House, Coolowen, Blarney, Cou Cork, indicated through his solicitor Frank Buttimer he was pleading guilty to the harassment.

The charge which he admitted is contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, for the offence of harassment on three dates between July 30 and August 6, 2022, at a location in Cork City.

Details of the background to the case in relation to where the incident occurred are not published in order to prevent identification of the injured party.

Mr Buttimer informed Judge Áine Clancy the case was before the court on Wednesday for the defendant to indicate if he was pleading guilty or if he was pleading not guilty to have it listed for a date for trial.

Once the guilty plea was entered, Mr Buttimer said he expected a victim impact statement would have to be prepared in advance of sentencing.

The solicitor added on behalf of the accused: “I also have to furnish reports on my side.” 

Sergeant John Kelleher acknowledged sentencing would have to be adjourned.

Judge Clancy put the case back until May 28.

As Gary O’Flynn, he was a councillor on Cork City Council from 2003 to 2008.