A man is beginning a four-month jail sentence for threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Tánaiste Simon Harris and his family.
Patrick Grealish, of Garraí an Choirce, Leitir Mealláin in Co Galway, dropped an appeal against the severity of his sentence at Galway Circuit Court.
Last October, the 50-year-old pleaded guilty to making online threats against Mr Harris and his family.
The offences occurred in August 2024, when the accused sent a message, via social media, to the Fine Gael leader.
In a victim impact statement during the course of the proceedings against Grealish, Mr Harris outlined the trauma and fear the threats had caused.
He said his family home had been violated by the correspondence sent to him and the messages had caused hurt, pain and worry.
The Táiniste said the actions could not be without consequences, especially given the increased frequency of such threats against public figures.
Grealish was sentenced to eight months, with the final four months suspended, last February, but was given leave to appeal the severity of the sentence.
He had presented a letter of apology, expressing remorse for his actions.
Today, at Galway Circuit Court, his legal representatives informed Judge Brian O’Callaghan that their client was dropping his appeal.
As a result, he was taken from the courthouse to begin his jail term.
The suspended portion of the sentence is conditional on Grealish entering a bond of €250, being of good behaviour, and remaining alcohol and intoxicant free for a period of 12 months.