Brian McCann (40), a former resident of Tiglin with an address in north Dublin, appeared at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for the finalisation of his sentence.
The accused pleaded guilty to one count of harassment and one threat to kill against Mr McCarthy, the founder of Tiglin, and one count of threatening to kill against Tiglin CEO Philip Thompson.
Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly, recalled evidence which was heard on a full facts basis at a previous sitting.
Mr Kelly stated that on February 22, 2022, the accused made threats to kill or cause serious harm to Mr McCarthy and Mr Thompson. He added that Mr McCann further harassed the Tiglin founder via social media by posting malicious comments on Facebook.
The court was told that the threats against the pair were of such a serious level that gardaí felt intervention was necessary.
Mr Kelly remarked that Tiglin employees are accustomed to dealing with people from difficult backgrounds.
Mr McCann had previously been a resident with the organisation.
At a previous sitting, Judge Patrick Quinn directed that a substantial suspended sentence be considered to allow Mr McCann to seek professional mental health treatment.
Barrister for the defence, Eoin Gallagher, said his client is pleasant to deal with, when not in a psychotic state and that a care plan is in place, although it may not meet the court’s standards.
The court heard that Mr McCann is scheduled to receive depot injections from his GP.
Counsel submitted that the supports required are not fully within the remit of either the Probation Service or the prison system, meaning Mr McCann “falls between the stools”.
It was further stated that if Mr McCann fails to attend his GP appointments, the suspended sentence will be activated immediately.
During his judgment, Judge Quinn said Mr McCann accepts responsibility for making the threats and noted that the accused has a history of mental illness.
However, when compliant with medication, he is stable.
He also made comment to the victim impact statement from Senator McCarthy which was read to the court at a previous sitting by Mr Kelly.
Mr McCarthy said that as co-founder of a homelessness and addiction charity, he has always worked to support marginalised people, but never expected threats to become so personal, direct, and credible.
He described how numerous threats were received via social media, but matters escalated when his secretary received a phone call that “frightened the wits out of her”, prompting him to contact gardaí.
Mr McCarthy said the gardaí, through the DPP, confirmed the threats were real and serious.
He told the court he made a formal statement not just for himself, but to protect his staff and colleagues.
He outlined the significant impact the threats had, stating they “shook our sense of security” and led to constant fear, including checking doors and looking over their shoulders. On Garda advice, both he and the Tiglin CEO installed alarms, cameras, and full-time surveillance at their homes.
Despite this, Mr McCarthy acknowledged that the accused was suffering from serious mental health and addiction issues. While he said this does not excuse the behaviour, it provides important context.
He told the court he has chosen to forgive McCann, expressing hope that he receives the help needed to achieve stability and recovery.
“As a society, I believe that we need to do more not just in crisis, but long before people reach breaking point,” he said. “Our mental health system must be stronger, more compassionate, and far more accessible.
“I have chosen to forgive the individual behind these threats. Not because it was easy, and not because what happened didn’t matter, but because I believe in the redemptive power of compassion.
“I believe that people can be unwell and still be loved. That they can do wrong, and still deserve a second chance, if they are willing to face their actions and get the help they need.”
Mr McCarthy concluded by stressing the importance of balancing accountability with compassion, and called for improved mental health supports to prevent similar situations in the future.
“I want to say clearly and publicly: I hold no bitterness toward the person involved. I choose to forgive. And I genuinely hope he receives the help and care he needs to find healing and stability.
“We must never lose sight of the balance between accountability and compassion. I will continue to speak up, for safety, for justice, and for better mental health supports because no one should have to choose between doing their job and feeling safe, and no one should be left to suffer in silence until it’s too late.
“This experience has strengthened my resolve to advocate for mental health reform. We must reach people before they break. We must meet them in their despair, not just after it has turned into danger. Because every life has value, and every person, no matter how far they have fallen, deserves the opportunity to be restored.”
Judge Quinn praised the “preform valuable work and enormous difference to the vulnerable”.
Mr McCann was sentenced to five years imprisonment, with the final three and a half years suspended only on the condition that he undertake to attend all necessary medical appointments.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme