No jail for former Cork councillor who harassed woman in city three years ago

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed strict probation, no-contact and no-intoxicant conditions as Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, received a suspended sentence

Numerous conditions were put on the suspension of Gary O’Flynn's sentence including one where he is to have no contact, direct or indirect, with the young woman who was harassed. Picture: Larry Cummins

The former Fianna Fáil councillor who harassed a young woman and told her, “I’m a kind of a stalker,” was given a suspended nine-month jail term on Thursday. 

The case against 49-year-old Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, of Melvindale House, Coolowen, Blarney, County Cork, was finalised this afternoon at Cork District Court. The former councillor was present and represented by solicitor Frank Buttimer, and the victim of the harassment was also present for the sentencing.