Donegal man who wrote ‘distressing and hurtful’ lies about neighbours on Facebook apologises in court

A 62-year-old Buncrana man who wrote lies about his neighbours on Facebook causing them ‘distress and embarrassment’ apologised in court this morning.

Anthony Downes of The Crescent, Buncrana, defamed his neighbours, Patricia Barnett and Paddy Murphy on February 5 and 6, 2015.

He posted over 20 messages on private and business Facebook accounts. Ms Barrnett owns her own podiatry business.

The messages were viewed, commented upon and shared by other individuals. Downes had claimed that Mr Murphy was having an affair and insulted Ms Barnett about her weight.

In Buncrana Court today, Judge Paul Kelly said the posting of the messages had been a ‘very concentrated affair over two to three days’.

An Garda Síochána Inspector David Murphy said there had been ‘an unsavoury history between the parties’.

Frank Dorrian, defence solicitor, said that there had been ‘no significant history’ between the parties and that he ‘doesn’t bear the animosity against them that one would expect to prompt this’.

Downes took the stand in court himself to apologise for his actions and to reassure Ms Barnett who had said in a victim impact statement that she felt ‘besieged’ since the incident and did not like leaving her house.

He agreed that his behaviour was ‘unacceptable on every level’.

He added: “I have apologised in every way possible but I still want to apologise here today. What I done is unbelievable and it will never happen again.”

He said that he had not encountered his neighbours since the incident but assured the court he would treat them with respect if he did.

He added: “As sure as God, it will never ever happen again and she has absolutely nothing to worry about.”

Judge Kelly said of the false Facebook posts, that he would ‘struggle to find anything more distressing and hurtful to say about a married couple’.

He recommended probation with a view to community service and restorative justice involving all those affected by Downes behaviour, including a third victim.

The matter will be back before the court again on October 12.