Anti-immigration activist Derek Blighe denies harassing a garda

Derek Blighe was remanded on bail to appear in court again on January 13, 2026. File photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Anti-immigration activist Derek Blighe indicated on Tuesday that he is pleading not guilty to harassing a member of An Garda Síochána.

The case alleges he video-recorded the guard and commented online: “He’s terrified now and afraid to leave his home.” 

A book of evidence will now have to be prepared in the case and Judge Joanne Carroll adjourned the matter until January 13 to allow time for that, on the application of Sergeant John Dineen.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Cahill testified previously at Cork District Court that 45-year-old Derek Blighe was involved in a campaign of harassment of a named garda. 

The charge against Derek Blighe of Curraghavoe, Mitchelstown, County Cork, states: “On dates between February 22, 2023, and December 4, 2023, he harassed (the garda) contrary to Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.”

Sergeant John Dineen said the Director of Public Prosecutions had given directions in the case stating that the case would proceed to trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court but that the DPP would accept summary jurisdiction on a plea of guilty.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, indicated today that Mr Blighe would be contesting the case.

There was no garda objection to bail, when the matter first came before the court, on certain conditions, including his own bond of €500, signing on twice weekly at Fermoy garda station, reside at home at Mitchelstown address, have no contact directly or indirectly — including by social media — with the complainant or any witnesses, make no commentary on social media about the matter now before the court, and provide a mobile phone number at which he can be contacted at all times by gardaí.

Detective Sergeant Cahill said previously: “It is alleged that over a 10-month period from February to December 2023 the accused engaged in a campaign of harassment against a member of An Garda Síochána. This member was on duty at a public event in October 2022. 

“It is alleged that the accused went on to post videos of himself talking about this injured party in April, August and December 2023. In one post he commented about the injured party, ‘He is terrified now and afraid to leave his home.’ 

“The injured party was distressed. It had a negative effect on himself and his family.” 

The defendant was remanded on bail to appear in court again on January 13, 2026.