Former Cork city councillor pleads guilty to harassment of woman

A former Fianna Fáil councillor pleaded guilty today to harassing a woman in Cork city back in the summer of 2022.

49-year-old Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, of Melvindale House, Coolowen, Blarney, County Cork, indicated through his solicitor Frank Buttimer that he was pleading guilty to the harassment.

The charge which he admitted is contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, for the offence of harassment on three dates between July 30 and August 6 2022 at a location in Cork city.

Details of the background to the case in relation to where the incident occurred are not published in order to prevent identification of the injured party.

Mr Buttimer informed Judge Áine Clancy that the case was before the court today for the defendant to indicate if he was pleading guilty or if he was pleading not guilty to have it listed for a date for trial.

Once the guilty plea was entered, Mr Buttimer said that he expected that a victim impact statement would have to be prepared in advance of sentencing.

The solicitor added on behalf of the accused, “I also have to furnish reports on my side.” 

Sergeant John Kelleher acknowledged that sentencing would have to be adjourned.

Judge Clancy put the case back until May 28.

As Gary O’Flynn, he was a councillor on Cork City Council from 2003 to 2008.