Man jailed for sending 'vile and vulgar' social media messages to autism campaigner

Harassment began with silent phone calls in middle of night before 'crossing the boundaries' beyond mere verbal abuse, says judge

Fiona Pettit O'Leary: Subjected to 'harassment by Eamonn Deegan. File picture: Denis Minihane

A man who subjected an autism campaigner to silent phone calls followed by "vile and vulgar" social media messages — including threatening to "experiment" on one of her children — has received a 10-month jail sentence.

Eamonn Deegan, aged 55, of 43 Springfield Court, Celbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to harassing West Cork-based Fiona Pettit O'Leary, putting her in fear.