Case withdrawn against man who threatened to slit throat of TD Paul Murphy's partner

Accused will not stand trial after he apologised to Paul Murphy and his wife and said he was going through psychotic episode

Joseph Cloherty at Dublin District Court on Thursday. Pictures: IrishPhotoDesk.ie

A man who threatened People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy with slitting his wife's throat has been spared trial and jail after apologising and citing a psychotic episode.

Dublin District Court had sought fitness-to-plead psychiatric reports on the accused, and on Thursday, 42-year-old Joseph Cloherty's non-jury hearing was expected to go ahead.

Mr Cloherty, of no fixed address, had earlier indicated he would contest the charge, requiring Mr Murphy to come to court and testify.

However, Judge John Hughes heard the prosecution was not proceeding and applying to withdraw the case.

Judge Hughes noted this followed a letter being sent by Mr Cloherty to the Dublin South-West TD, apologising to both him and his wife, councillor Jessica Spear, and explaining the incident happened when he was going through a psychotic episode.

The apology was acceptable to the TD, who was not required to give evidence and left the court as Judge Hughes struck out the proceedings.

TD Paul Murphy leaving Dublin District Court on Thursday after the judge struck out proceedings.

Defence solicitor Emer O'Sullivan also furnished a medical report on her client, who pleaded guilty to unrelated public order offences, resulting in a one-month suspended sentence.

Mr Cloherty had nine previous convictions, mainly public order and motoring offences.

The threatening encounter with the politician occurred after the politician canvassed about abortion laws in Tallaght on May 23, 2023.

Mr Cloherty faced a charge under section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Mr Cloherty was accused of having, without a lawful excuse, made a threat to Paul Murphy, intending him to believe it would be carried out, that he would kill or cause serious harm to Jessica Spear.

Noting his apology, medical report and mitigation plea, Judge Hughes suspended the one-month term on condition he does not re-offend for two years, stays off cocaine and cannabis, and continues to attend appointments with a mental health professional and follow their directions.